asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, respectively, and for the United Kingdom as a whole, for the latest convenient date, the total numbers of male and of female insured persons, the numbers in approved societies, the numbers of deposit contributors, the numbers of voluntary insurers, the amount received per week or per quarter from the sale of stamps, the amounts being issued per week or per quarter to the approved societies and insurance committees for the payment of benefits, or such of these statistics as can be given without delay or special inquiry?

The details are as follows:— — England. Scotland. Ireland. Wales. United Kingdom. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. Men. Women. No. of Employed Contributors in Approved Societies 7,217,700 3,187,800 1,021,400 430,900 478,100 231,400 570,300 110,600 9,287,500 3,960,700 No. of Voluntary Contributors 12,400 3,800 1,300 400 400 100 2,100 700 16,200 5,000 Total No. in Approved Societies 7,230,100 3,191,600 1,022,700 431,300 478,500 231,500 572,400 111,300 9,303,700 3,965,700 No. of Persons in Army and Navy Fund — — — — — — — — 130,000 — No. of Deposit Contributors 200,600 94,400 27,900 10,100 6,200 3,800 13,900 3,100 248,600 111,400 Total No. of Insured Persons 7,430,700 3,286,000 1,050,600 441,400 484,700 235,300 586,300 114,400 9,682,300 4,077,100 The average weekly amount received from the sale of stamps is about £359,200. The average weekly amounts issued to Approved Societies and Insurance Committees are, approximately, £191,300 and £105,300 respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say, in view of the allegations that some of the approved societies are rapidly approaching insolvency owing to excessive claims, whether any approved societies have yet been dissolved by the Commissioners or otherwise terminated; and, if so, how many; what provision was in such cases made for their members; whether any valuations under the Act have yet been made; if so, how many and with what result; whether the Government propose to cause such valuations to be held in the near future; and, if not, what steps do they propose to take with regard to those approved societies which are alleged to be piling up, week after week, an increasing deficit?

With the exception of two small societies in Ireland, from which the Irish Commission have found it necessary to withdraw approval, no societies have been dissolved or otherwise terminated by the Commissioners. Some small societies, however, which have experienced difficulty in administering the Act, owing to their membership not attaining the number anticipated when they applied for approval, or to other reasons, have voluntarily arranged with other societies to take over their members. So far as my right hon. Friend is aware, the arrangements made have enabled all the members to join another society and have in no case resulted in their becoming deposit contributors. Benefits have only been payable for just over a year and no valuations have yet been made. My hon. Friend will be aware that a Committee is now investigating the whole question of alleged excessive claims upon societies. In addition, the Commissioners are making investigations where the amounts drawn by societies indicate a probability of excesssive expenditure, and, where practicable, are assisting the societies in making any reforms required in their system of administration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action the Government proposes to take to remove or relieve the hardships suffered by middlewomen and outworkers in the Nottingham lace trade, owing to the compulsory collection of the insurance tax from the former as employers, under a ruling of the Insurance Commissioners, and from the latter as employés, under the provisions of the National Insurance Act?

The Insurance Commissioners have throughout been careful to avoid harsh or oppressive action, but they must secure general compliance with the requirements of the law. If the hon. Member holds the view that the firms which give out the work and not the middlewomen should be regarded as the employers of the outworkers, my right hon. Friend would be glad to have an opportunity of considering his reasons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that an injustice is being done to dockyard men and members of the Civil Service who have been engaged abroad, and on their return home, though compelled to be insured, are to receive reduced benefits or to pay increased contributions under the National Insurance Act to enable them to receive the full benefits; and what steps are being taken to remove this injustice?

The Insurance Commissioners have no power to vary the provisions of Section 9 (4) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, as amended by Section 2 of the Act of 1913, in favour of these men, but they understand that the Admiralty have the question under consideration.

asked the composition and full terms of reference of the Committee which he has appointed to inquire into excessive sickness; whether the evidence taken by that Committee will be laid before Parliament, together with its report; and when is it expected that this information will be available?

The terms of reference of the Committee are to inquire into and report upon the alleged excessive claims upon and allowances by approved societies in England in respect of sickness benefit, and any special circumstances which may cause any such claims or allowances. The Committee as originally constituted, was as follows:—

Sir Claud Schuster, Insurance Commission.

Walter Davies, Esq., National Secretary of the Order of the Sons of Temperance; Chairman, Manchester Insurance Committee.

Adam Fulton, Esq., M.B.

Miss M. H. Frances Ivens, M.B.

Miss Mary McArthur, Secretary of the Women's Trade Union League.

William Mosses, Esq., Secretary of the Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades of the United Kingdom. Secretary of the United Pattern Makers' Association (Approved Society.

James Pearse, Esq., M.D., M.B., Medical Officer of Health, Trowbridge Urban District Council.

Lauriston Elgie Shaw, Esq., M.D., M.B., F.R.C.P., M.R.C.S.

A. C. Thompson, Esq., President of the National Conference of Industrial Assurance Approved Societies.

A. H. Warren, Esq., J.P., President of the National Conference of Friendly Societies.

A. W. Watson, Esq., Chief Actuary, National Health Insurance Joint Committee.

J. S. Whitaker, Esq., M.R.C.S., Deputy-Chairman, Insurance Commission.

Miss Mona Wilson, Insurance Commission.

Walter P. Wright, Esq., Grand Master, Independent Order of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity).

On the 1st November, 1913, J. Burn, Esq., actuary, of the Prudential Approved Society, was appointed a member of the Committee during the unavoidable temporary absence of Mr. Thompson, and on the 4th February, 1914, T. M. Carter, Esq., M.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., was appointed a member of the Committee, in the room of Dr. Pearce, resigned.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if, when a marriage licence is issued to a Protestant minister in Ireland, Licence Duty has to be paid, and if, when a similar licence is issued to an Irish Roman Catholic priest., no such duty is charged; and would lie say why this differentiation is made?

A special licence for marriage is chargeable with a Stamp Duty of £5 under the Act 54 and 55 Vic., cap. 39, Section 1, Schedule 1. Such special licences may be issued to Protestant ministers in Ireland, in accordance with Sections 36 and 37 of the Act 33 and 34 Vic., cap 110. I am not aware of any licence similar to the licence referred to above that is or can be issued to Roman Catholic priests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Report of the Royal Commission on Local Taxation will be laid before the House?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on this subject on Thursday last in reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Fulham, and on 23rd April last in reply to the hon. Member for the Wilton Division.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been or will now be taken to redress the grievances of the excise officers who are prejudiced by amalgamation with the customs department in 1909?

In the autumn of 1911 and spring of 1912 I received deputations from officers, both of customs and excise origin, and listened to statements of their alleged grievances under the amalgamation scheme, and after considering the whole question carefully, I announced a number of important concessions to the staff. Further memorials from the staff are still under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the increase was in the year 1912–13 in the number of houses under and over £20 annual value respectively?

The increase of the numbers in 1912–13 over the numbers in 1911–12 was 47,000 in the case of houses of annual value under £20, and 9,000 in the case of houses of annual value exceeding that amount.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the difficulty which has arisen in connection with the scale of salaries for teachers paid by the Herefordshire education authority; and if, in view of the fact that this arises largely owing to the burdens in respect of education and other services falling upon the rates, he will state when he will introduce his promised proposals for relieving the local authorities of a share of their present burdens?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the latter part, I hope to be able to outline the Government proposals on this matter during the Debate on the Amendment to the Address standing in the names of my hon. Friends the Members for West Bradford and Sunderland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the salaries paid to temporary surveyors employed on revaluation in the Valuation Office, Dublin, is at present between £8 and £10 a month, without subsistence allowance, and that the Chief Commissioner of Valuation endeavours to secure engineering graduates of the Irish universities to do this work; and, in view of the fact that the work of temporary surveyors in the Valuation Office does not add to their experience or skill in the engineering profession, and that they are moved about constantly from place to place, he will take steps that a higher salary than a month may be paid to these men, who have had to undergo an expensive and prolonged professional training?

I do not think the initial remuneration is inadequate to the work performed. I may point out that the officers in question, after six months' satisfactory service, may receive an increase in salary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Mrs. Brown's estate and Miss Duane's estate, near Letterfrack, Connemara, and the Twining estate at Cleggan, Connemara, have been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, will he state when those estates are likely to be acquired by the Congested Districts Board?

The estates of Miss Duane and Miss Twining have been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board, but Mrs. Brown's estate has not yet been offered. The Board are at present unable to say when any of these properties are likely to be acquired.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners are aware of the distinct understanding arrived at as between Viscount Gough, of Lough Cutra Castle, Gort, county Galway, and his tenants in respect to the sale of his lordship's property; is he aware, that everything in reference to the sale of this estate was left by Viscount Gough in the hands of the Estates Commissioners; will he explain how it is that, while the Estates Commissioners fixed the price for the church plot, No. 6a, Kilbecanty, Gort, at £22, Viscount Gough refuses to include this plot in the sale unless and until the parish priest pays over to him a sum of £60 over and above the full price properly determined by the Estates Commissioners; and whether, having regard to the distinct agreement entered into by Viscount Gough with the tenants to leave the question of price in the hands of the Estates Commissioners, he will communicate with the Estates Commissioners and have them to insist upon the honourable performance of the said agreement?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the plot in question contains thirty-three perches. It is not an agricultural holding, and the Commissioners do not consider that it affords security for the repayment of a larger advance than £22, repayable by annuity under the Land Purchase Acts. This sum is only five and a half years' purchase of the rent of £4 a year payable by the Roman Catholic Bishop and the parish priest under a lease of 500 years, dated. 16th March, 1885, and the owner does not consider that this sum represents the full value of his interest in the holding. The Commissioners do not consider the attitude of the owner unreasonable, and if the holding is to be included in the sale, it will be necessary for the parties to agree as to a price, and for the Bishop and the parish priest to lodge in cash the difference between such price and the sum the Commissioners are prepared to advance on the security of the holding under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, notwithstanding that it was not referred to in the Gracious Speech from the Throne, it is intended to introduce and press a Bill for the completion of land purchase in Ireland; and, if so, when does he expect to be in a position to introduce the Bill?

I hope it may be possible to reintroduce the Irish Land Bill of last Session, but it will be impossible to find time for its passage through the House unless the Bill is practically treated as one not involving controversy.

asked the total number of the Royal Irish Constabulary as on 31st December, 1913, and the total number of resignations from the force during the period, 1st January to 31st December, 1913, as compared with the average number of resignations for the five preceding years?

The total number of the Royal Irish Constabulary (sergeants, acting sergeants, and constables) on the 31st December, 1913, was 10,023. The resignations during the year to 31st December, 1913, were 299; and the average number of resignations during the preceding five years was 154.

also asked the Chief Secretary the names of the Commission recently appointed to consider the question of the pay of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and whether he will give the weekly pay of a junior constable in the years 1882, 1902, and 1912 respectively?

The names of the Commission are the Right Hon. Sir David Harrel, K.C.B., Mr. R. F. Starkie, Resident Magistrate, and Mr. M. F. Headlam, Treasury Remembrancer. The weekly pay of a constable of less than four years' service in 1882 was £1 and since 1902 it has been £1 1s. The corresponding sums in the case of a constable of from four to seven years' service are £1 1s. and £1 2s. respectively.

next, asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a series of resolutions passed at a meeting of Royal Irish Constabulary recently held at Mallow, county Cork, expressing the regret of the force that His Excellency had failed to appoint as Commissioners men whom the force as a whole could trust to impartially deal with their claims, and requesting that the Government should appoint two additional members to the Commission, one at least to be approved by members of the force, and that, further, the force should be allowed to be represented by counsel, to be o chosen and retained at the expense of the rank and file; and whether similar conferences making similar demands have been recently held at Omagh, Mullingar, and other parts of Ireland; and, if so, what action does he propose to take in respect of this petition?

The resolutions referred to have been received. This is an ordinary Departmental Committee. It was appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant, after due consideration of all the circumstances, and it is not possible to make any addition to it. In my opinion, it would be most undesirable to do so. The question as to the representation of the police by counsel is a matter for the Committee.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number and cost of officers in the Royal Irish Constabulary, from and including the rank of district inspector upwards, for the years ending 1900–5 and 1912, respectively; and whether he will state the mileage paid to those officers per county during the year ended 1912?

The number of officers of all ranks and the estimated total cost of their pay and allowances for the years mentioned are as follows:— Estimated Cost. Year. Number. £ 1900–1 259 100,349 1901–2 259 100,136 1902–3 258 100,954 1903–4 258 101,295 1904–5 257 101,988 1905–6 254 101,191 1912–13 242 96,922

Charges for mileage are not shown separately in the accounts of the Royal Irish Constabulary Department, and I am, therefore, not in a position to answer the final paragraph of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary why a Committee of Inquiry as to the claims of the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary has been appointed, having regard to the statement made by the Inspector-General to the men on parade, over three months ago, that the Government was then possessed of and was considering their claims; is he aware that the Royal Irish Constabulary are dissatisfied with the personnel of the Committee, owing to the past attitude of certain members to the men, and owing to the non-inclusion, as requested, of two or more outside employers of labour, and in consequence have the men from several centres refused to send witnesses; and is he aware that there is dissatisfaction in the force at the delay of the Government as to its claims and prospects?

This is an ordinary Departmental Committee appointed at the request of the Treasury, and there is no contradiction between the alleged statement made by the Inspector-General and the action of the Government. No additions can be made to the Committee as now constituted. Only in a few districts have the men declared their intention to send no witnesses, and I have no reason to think any dissatisfaction which exists on account of any delay that may have taken place is widespread in the force.

asked the Chief Secretary if he promised at Bristol that, in any inquiry into the conduct of the police at Dublin, there would be a lay representative on the Commission; if not, will he state the terms of the promise and the composition of the Commission which has been taking evidence; if he is aware that the organised workers of Dublin have expressed lack of confidence in the Commission which has been set up; and if, having regard to that fact, he will have the whole question reopened before a widely representative body?

It is true that I expressed the hope at Bristol that it would be found possible to constitute a Court of Inquiry into the Dublin disturbances composed of three members, one a judge and chairman, another someone personally acquainted with the traditions of a police force, and the third someone who might be taken to represent the working classes. Every effort was made by me and others to constitute a Commission after this fashion, but it was found impossible to do so. The Lord Lieutenant had, therefore, no choice but to fall back upon precedents in similar cases, and His Excellency was, in my opinion, extremely fortunate to have secured the services of two eminent men well acquainted with the city of Dublin and also well qualified by their impartiality and legal training to conduct the inquiry in a judicial manner. I am aware the constitution of the Court of Inquiry has been criticised, but as I am sure that nothing can be said against the inquiry or the impartiality of the Commissioners, or as to the manner in which they have discharged their duties, I see no reason whatever to reopen an inquiry which has now been concluded.

asked the Chief Secretary what are the regulations which enable the Local Government Board in Ireland to fix the amounts to be paid by public bodies in respect to the audit of their accounts; whether any directions or instructions are o given to the auditors of the Local Government Board as to the method of carrying out the audit; and, if so, whether he will have a copy sent to any public body requesting it?

The Local Government. Board (Ireland) Act, 1872, Section 6, empowers the Local Government Board to determine the amounts to be paid by public bodies in respect of the audit of their accounts. The regulations with respect to audit are contained in the Public Bodies Order, 1904, and the Union Accounts Order, 1905, copies of which have been furnished to the respective public bodies concerned, and may also be obtained from; the King's publishers.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Commissioners of National Education issued a Circular in November, 1913, which intimated that holidays as distinguished from vacations were to be restricted to certain holy days recognised by the Roman Catholic Church; is he aware that Presbyterians do not recognise saints' days and other Roman Catholic holy days; and would the Commissioners, instead of intimating the particular holidays on which a school may be closed, fix a certain maximum of holidays in the year, permit the managers and teachers of the various denominations to select the days which best suit denominational and local arrangements?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that a Circular was issued by them in November, 1913, in connection with their rules regarding the maximum vacation that can be taken in any year, but there was no reference to Roman Catholic or other Church holidays in the Circular. The Commissioners allow managers to close their schools for reasonable causes, and they do not consider that any change is necessary in their rules on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary the number of students in attendance at Marlborough Street Training College for the Session 1913–14, distinguishing them into Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, and other denominations; the number of professors and the number of lecturers, assistants, masters, and mistresses in the training college and of officials in the domestic establishment, distinguishing them denominationally in the same way; and the amounts in salaries paid to professors, lecturers, assistants, masters, and mistresses of the Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Methodist, and other faiths, respectively?

The following table gives the required information:— MARLBOROUGH STREET TRAINING COLLEGE. — Roman Catholics. Episcopalians. Presbyterians. Methodists. Other Denominations. Total. Number of King's scholars in attendance during the session 1913–14 63 22 186 28 2 301 Professorial and domestic staff 13 6 8 3 — 30 £ £ £ £ £ Salaries of above staff 1,700 1,115 1,535 240 — 4,590

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the respective numbers of recruits, whether boys or adults, accepted for the Royal Navy, Marines, Naval Reserve, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve for the year 1913 up to the present time?

The records kept are for the financial, not the calendar year. The following statement shows the number of recruits, distinguishing boys and adults, accepted for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, from 1st April, 1913 to 31st January, 1914:—

Royal Navy: 6,802 men, 5,877 boys.

Royal Marines (including band): 1,555 men, 224 boys.

Royal Naval Reserve: 983 men.

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve: 936 men, 9 boys.

These numbers are approximate, corrected returns not being available until a later date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many battleships and battle cruisers of the "Dreadnought" type it is possible for

Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary to have, built, building, and projected, on the 1st April, 1914, 1st April, 1915, and 1st April, 1916; and if he will state the names of the different vessels?

The return which has been moved in the name of my right hon. Friend the Member for North St. Pancras will be ready for presentation at an early date, and the Noble Lord will find in it the information he desires except as regards projected ships.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that Samuel Thomas Bartlett, chief petty officer, served for twenty-six years up to April, 1911, and then re-engaged for five years after being medically examined and passed fit; that Bartlett was appointed captain of a turret and had heavy weights to lift, and about May, 1913, he fell ill and was treated for bronchitis by the ship's doctor, but still feeling ill he saw his club doctor, Dr. Colt, who told him he had strained his heart, the big valve being gone, and that he must leave the Service; is he aware that Bartlett was sent home by Dr. Colt, who sent a certificate to the ship, and the ship's doctor called, recognised Bartlett's illness as heart disease and sent him to Haslar, from which three months later Bartlett was discharged as incurable, and died in the December following, leaving a widow and three little children; and, seeing that so far nothing has been done, will the Admiralty assist, by way of pension or otherwise, the dependants of the late S. T. Bartlett?

There is no evidence that Bartlett was medically examined and passed fit before re-engagement in April, 1911, nor do the regulations provide for such examination in cases where, as in this instance, re-engagement takes place without a break in service. The statement of the hon Member that Bartlett was treated by the ship's doctor for bronchitis is incorrect. Bartlett is noted as not having been previously on the sick list in the ship, and as having made no complaint. He was seen by a medical officer from the ship at his home, and it was considered advisable to leave him there until 24th June, 1912, when he was transferred to Haslar Hospital. In the opinion of the medical advisers of the Admiralty there is little doubt that the heart trouble was of long standing, and, as Bartlett's death cannot be attributed to extraordinary exertion or exposure on service, I regret that, as the matter stands, there are no funds at the disposal of the Admiralty from which assistance can be afforded to his dependants by way of pension or otherwise. However, in view of the reference in the question to the testimony of Dr. Colt, I propose to institute further inquiries into the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that most of the situations, such as cadet servants, cadet mess servants, cooks, cooks' mates, and cadet stewards, at the Royal Naval College at Osborne are held by civilians and ex-soldiers; and, if so, whether the Admiralty will issue orders that in future only petty officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who have served in the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Forces shall be taken on when vacancies occur?

The majority of the situations are held by civilians and ex-soldiers owing to the fact that few men who have served in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines present themselves or apply for these situations. It is not proposed to issue orders of the nature indicated.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the respective numbers of recruits accepted for the Army, Special Recerve, and Territorial Forces, as the case may be, for the year 1913 to the present date?

The numbers of recruits finally approved for the Regular Army and the Special Reserve during 1913 and up to the 7th instant were 33,541 and 21,823, respectively. The number enlisted for the Territorial Force during 1913 was 66,650. Information as to the number enlisted since 1st January, 1914, is not at present available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that quartermaster-sergeants of the Household Cavalry, Cavalry of the Line, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery receive less pay than quartermaster-sergeants m other branches of the Service; and, seeing that the duties in each case are similar and the qualifications, so far as being in possession of a first-class certificate of education, are the same, whether he will take steps to increase the pay of these sergeants?

I am sending the Noble Lord a paper showing the rates of pay of the various branches and arms of the Service, from which he will see that in some cases the pay of the quartermaster-sergeants referred to is less, and in some more than that of other arms.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total accommodation for married officers of the 3rd Division at Salisbury Plain; and whether he can give any estimate of the number of married officers at the present time in such division?

There is accommodation for 31 married officers of the 3rd Division and there are 21 officers entitled to quarters suitable for married officers. In addition there are 46 officers not entitled to such quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Mr. MacAndrew, the contractor for the erection of the Redford Infantry barracks, Edinburgh, has sublet a considerable amount of the work to a firm that is paying from 6s. to 8s. per week less than the rate current in Edinburgh; whether this sub-contractor's name was submitted to the War Office for approval before the work was given to it; and whether such approval was given?

With the prior permission of the War Office a portion of the joinery work in connection with the Infantry barracks at Redford is being executed by a sub-contractor at Bo'ness. I have no information as to the wages paid by the sub-contractor, but I will have inquiries made.

asked the Secretary for War what, under the present scale, is the pay of a captain of more than twelve years' service in the Royal Horse Artillery, and what is the pay which he will receive on promotion to a majority in the Royal Field Artillery?

A captain, Royal Horse Artillery, after twelve years' service and three years in the rank of captain, will receive 18s. a day under the new scale. The rate assigned to a major, Royal Field Artillery, with less than twenty-four years' total service is 16s. This apparent anomaly has been brought to my notice officially, and is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary for War whether contractors for the supply of forage for Cavalry and Artillery horses stationed at the camps on Salisbury Plain are at liberty to supply foreign-grown oats and are supplying large quantities of oats imported from Germany; and, if so whether he will consider the desirability of modifying this regulation in order to promote arable cultivation in Wiltshire and increase the demand for and remuneration of agricultural labourers?

Provided that oats fulfil the required conditions, no stipulation is made as regards the source of supply.

asked the Secretary for War if he will give the establishment of the Regular Army serving at Home on the 1st January, 1914; and as well as the strength of the same on that date?

The establishment is 134,808, and the strength on 1st January was 122,445.

also asked the number of non-commissioned officers and men on the regimental strength of the several arms serving at Home on the 1st January, 1914, under twenty years of age?

The figures are as follows:—Household Cavalry, 141; Cavalry of the Line, 2,026; Royal Horse Artillery, 186; Royal Field Artillery, 3,127; Royal Garrison Artillery, 1,354; Royal Engineers, 1,302; Royal Flying Corps (M.W.), 193; Foot Guards, 1,481; Infantry of the Line, 16,145; Army Service Corps, 1,191; Royal Army Medical Corps, 604; Army Veterinary Corps, 1; Army Ordnance Corps, 318; Army Pay Corps, 6. Total, all arms, 28,075. The above are rank and file only. The figures for trumpeters, drummers, and buglers are not available.

asked the number of troops embarked for India and the Colonies during the present trooping season; and if he will give the number-still under orders to go abroad?

The figures are 10,229 and 6,318, respectively. There are no troops now remaining under orders to proceed either to India or to the Colonies.

also asked the number of troops embarked for India and the Colonies during the years, separately, ending 30th September, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, and 1913, respectively?

These statistics are to be found in the General Annual Returns for the appropriate years, in Section II., Part V., under the heading of Reliefs and Reinforcements. The figures for 1913 will shortly be published in the General Annual Report for this year.

further asked the Secretary for War (1) if he will give the number of recruits who joined the Regular Army, exclusive of re-enlisted men and those for Colonial Corps, who failed to reach the standards but were accepted; and if he will also give the percentage enlisted under standard for the years ending 30th September, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, and 1913, respectively; and (2) the percentage of rejections of recruits offering themselves for enlistment in the Regular Army for the years 1st October, 1907, to 30th September, 1908, 1st October, 1908, to 30th September, 1909, 1st October, 1909, to 30th September, 1910, 1st October, 1910, to 30th September, 1911, 1st October, 1913, to 30th September, 1912, and 1st October, 1912, to 30th September, 1913, respectively?

The figures and percentages asked for in these questions in respect of the period ended 30th September, 1912, will be found in the General Annual Return for 1913. Those for the year ended 30th September, 1913, will appear in the General Annual Return for 1914, which will shortly be presented to the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a memorial from the National Canine Defence League, signed by 5,480 persons, protesting against the appointment of Sir John Rose Bradford as a member of the advisory body under the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1876; and whether he proposes to take any action thereon?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on this matter in the course of a debate in this House on 18th March last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether combined leave will be granted to officers of the British service stationed in India as it is to officers of the Indian service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for East Leicestershire on Thursday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any official reports of recent disturbances on the British East African frontier; and, if so, whether he is in a position to report that immediate steps have been taken for the adequate protection of settlers an the Nasin Gishu plateau?

Yes, Sir, but they have occurred in districts remote from white settlement, and the necessary steps have been taken for dealing with them. The Nasin Gishu plateau lies at a very considerable distance from the frontier, and I have no reason to suppose that the settlers there are in any need of protection.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any changes have been made since Parliament rose in 1913 in the law relating to the powers of the administration of the Somaliland Protectorate to regulate or restrain the movements of travellers within that territory, or within the limits of neighbouring countries, in which personal jurisdiction over British subjects may be exercised by such administration?

An Ordinance was enacted on the 23rd August, 1913, enabling the Commissioner of Somaliland to declare by Proclamation any district or part of a district in that Protectorate to be closed to all travellers.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to reintroduce the Milk and Dairies Bill this Session?

The matter is engaging my close attention, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement with respect to it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if boards of guardians have the right to admit necessitous sick women and chidlren into the workhouse infirmary for treatment, without compelling the husbands and fathers of such persons to enter the workhouse?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many inquiries have been held during the five years ended December, 1913, by his Department concerning applications from local authorities for powers to borrow money on account of the erection of public abattoirs; the names of the said local authorities; the amounts sought for; the amounts sanctioned; and how many of the applications were granted or refused, and, if the latter, on what grounds?

During the five years ended the 31st December, 1913, applications for sanction to borrow money in respect of abattoirs have been received by the Local Government Board from twelve local authorities, involving sixteen loans for sums amounting in all to £39,524. Thirteen local inquiries were held by the Board in regard to these applications, and loans totalling £36,921 have been sanctioned. One application was refused on account of the unsuitability of the proposed site, and two applications are under consideration.

The particulars are as follows:—

Name of Local Authority. Amount of Loan Applied for. Purpose. Amount Sanctioned. Town Councils— £ £ Chorley 1770 Alterations and improvements to slaughter houses 1,540 Derby 2,700 Alterations and construction of cooling alley 2,700 Nelson 1,500 Site for slaughterhouses 1,500 Shrewsbury 8,080 Purchase of site and erection of slaughterhouses 8,080 500 Excess expenditure 500 520 Further excess expenditure 520 South Shields 3,147 Excess expenditure in the provision of slaughterhouses 3,107 156 Covering in alleyway 156 Urban District Councils— * Aberayron 1,000 Purchase of site and erection of slaughterhouses — †Amble 831 Purchase of site and erection of slaughterhouses — Fleetwood 4,040 Site for slaughterhouses and depot (apportionment between the two purposes not decided upon) 4,040 Hexham 830 Alterations and additions to slaughterhouses 800 ‡Pontypool 270 Site for slaughterhouse, refuse destructors, etc. — Shipley 1,150 Alterations and additions to slaughterhouses. 1,130 Weston-super-Mare 2,030 Site for slaughterhouses 2,030 11,000 Erection of slaughterhouses 10,818 39,524 36,921 * Loan refused. Proposed site unsuitable. † Decision not yet arrived at. Plans to be simplified by the D.C. ‡ The Board are awaiting the result of an application to the Justices for an Order for the diversion of a highway.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present position of the case concerning the foreshore rights at Seaview, Isle of Wight; and what the prospects are of the matter being finally settled?

Since the reply of my predecessor to the question of my hon. Friend, on the 17th March last, the defendants in this case have filed their answer to further interrogatories, and the action has been set down for trial. I regret that it

is not possible for me to say with certainty when the case is likely to be heard in Court, but I do not anticipate that there will be any long delay.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his department have received any representations with regard to the necessity for the erection of a footbridge over the London and North-Western Railway at Black-

wood Station, Monmouthshire; whether he is aware that a number of colliers go to and from their work at this place, and often have to cross the line when a mineral train is standing there; and whether, in view of the danger to life and limb, he will make representations to the railway company on the matter?

The Board of Trade have been in communication with the railway way company in this matter, and the company have informed the Board that they have decided to provide a footbridge at this station.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what trade unions have taken a ballot of their members on the question, of a political levy in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Union Act, 1913, giving in the case of each union the total membership, the number of

Name. Number of Members at 31st Dec., 1912. Votes in Favour. Votes Against. Votes Rejected. Power Loom Carpet Weavers Mutual Defence and Provident Association 901 457 246 26 Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners 78,965 13,336 11,738 266 National Association of Operative Plasterers 7,918 1,183 657 18 Amalgamated Association of Operative Cotton Spinners, Self-Actor Minders and Twiners of Lancashire and adjoining Counties 23,500 4,826 3,376 73 Amalgamated Society of Watermen, Lightermen and Bargemen 4,758 1,624 278 64 Amalgamated Society of Locomotive Enginemen and Firemen 26,500 7,839 3,841 9 Friendly Society of Ironfounders of England, Ireland and Wales 24,200 6,854 2,576 188 Amalgamated Society of Engineers 143,998 20,586 12,740 29 National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives 41,440 6,085 1,935 108 National Union of Life Assurance Agents 2,515 862 215 30 Nelson and District Association of Warp Dressers 1,451 660 581 2 Ship Constructors and Shipwrights Association 26,223 7,446 5,487 59 Amalgamated Society of Gasworkers, Brickmakers and General Labourers 7,146 7,248 1,108 113 National Union of Dock Labourers and Riverside Workers in Great Britain and Ireland 44,227 4,078 501 34 Amalgamated Society of Farriers 1,936 569 153 44 United Machine Workers Association 7,269 2,673 1,686 25 Amalgamated Society of Paper Makers 1,351 621 168 4 Amalgamated Musicians Union 6,745 1,661 688 23 National Union of Clerks 8,840 1,844 540 42 London and Provincial Union of Licensed Vehicle Workers 4,972 1,609 830 3 Amalgamated Association of Card and Blowing Room Operatives 51,914 2,293 1,437 53 British Steel Smelters, Mill Iron and Tinplate Workers 29,299 6,705 1,400 88 Railway Clerks Association 19,151 15,496 1,340 123 Male Relief Stampers Society 58 49 7 1 General Union of Associations of Loom Over-lookers — 1,966 1,228 21 Amalgamated Association of Beamers, Twisters, Drawers and Machine Workers — 1,409 828 23 Miners' Federation of Great Britain — 261,643 194,800 20,223 General Amalgamation of Clothlookers and Ware-housemen — 774 399 14 Amalgamated Weavers Association — 98,158 75,893 367 Operative Bleachers, Dyers and Finishers Association (Bolton Amalgamation) — 1,864 964 60 Leeds and District Willeyers and Fettlers Union. — 131 81 7 Cigar Makers Mutual Association — 633 107 1 Yorkshire Twisters Trade and Friendly Society — 496 320 18 Amalgamated Society of Wood Turners, Sawyers, Makers Ready, etc., of the United Kingdom — 346 72 15 Nelson Colne District Tape Sizers Protection Society — 62 30 Nil. NOTE. - The number of ballot papers issued was under the rules for ballot adopted by the unions, a number equal to the number of the members of the union.

ballot papers issued, the number of votes cast in favour of the levy, the number of votes cast against the levy, the number of spoilt papers, and the number of members who abstained from recording their votes?

supplied the following list of trade unions, with result of ballot, under Trade Union Act, 1913:—

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why Mr. V. Baldwin was summarily dismissed from the Post Office service in July for such a minor offence as he committed in declining to leave London for the provinces; and whether he can grant some compensation to him after twenty-three years' service?

I am making some further inquiries into this matter, and will communicate later with my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether negotiations are in progress for the sale of three acres of Crown foreshore at Llanelly to Richard Thomas and Company, Limited, tinplate manufacturers; whether the price of such land demanded by the Crown is £480, with the further proviso that all minerals and substrata are to be reserved to the Crown and that no reduction is to be allowed in the rent payable in respect of premises which include the above land under a lease granted by the Crown to Sir Arthur Stepney, deceased, and now vested in Richard Thomas and Company, Limited, subject moreover to the purchasers bearing the whole cost of conveyance and surveyor's charges; whether such ground was reclaimed from the sea and entirely made by the tipping of refuse from their works by the said Richard Thomas and Company, Limited, and their predecessors in title; and how, under the above circumstances, the price of £160 per acre demanded by the Crown has been arrived at?

At the request of Messrs. Thomas and Company the Commissioner of Woods offered to sell the land at the price and on the conditions stated in the hon. Member's question. Messrs. Thomas and Company have enjoyed the advantage of being allowed to tip on the land offered and on other foreshore land (of greater extent) for some years under the Crown lease mentioned, and it is considered that the rent reserved by the lease will not be more than reasonable for the area that will remain held under it after the sale. The price was fixed on the advice of a surveyor well acquainted with the locality as the reasonable value. The Commissioner has no desire to press the sale, and only made the offer in deference to the urgent request of Messrs. Thomas and Company.