asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, during a trade dispute at Christchurch, New Zealand, a few months ago, men of the "Psyche" and "Pyramus" were called into requisition and were paraded with fixed bayonets; that the ships' guns Were trained upon the wharves; and that unloading operations by strike-breakers were aided by the ships' searchlights; and whether this interference in a labour trouble was done With the knowledge and sanction of the Admiralty?

Sir, it is the fact that His Majesty's ships "Psyche" and "Pyramus" were present at Lyttelton, the port of Christchurch, during one period of the recent labour disputes. I have no exact information of the measures taken there, but they were adopted only at the express request of the responsible Government of the Dominion. The following telegram which was sent to the senior naval officer of the New Zealand Division of the Fleet on 28th October last sufficiently explains the Admiralty position:— Common law obliges you, if act rally on scene of riots, to assist civil authorities on formal demand of magistrates. Admiralty policy is to avoid all interference in labour disputes, especially in Dominions. You should endeavour to avoid being in position where you are likely to be called upon to intervene unless you are personally satisfied that your presence is necessary to avoid bloodshed. Admiralty finds great difficulty in believing that such conditions exist at present, but you must use your own judgment. I may add that it has given the Board of Admiralty great satisfaction that it did not in fact become necessary for His Majesty's naval forces to come into actual conflict with any section of the community in New Zealand.

May I ask 'whether any reply was received to the telegram from the Admiralty?

Well, of course, the senior naval officer acknowledged the receipt of the telegram.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that in the event of a ship being in a neighbourhood where a dispute is likely to occur it should at once sail to get away from the possibility of being asked to take part as the answer appears to suggest?

It is; and has long been the policy of the Admiralty to disentangle the Navy as far as possible from all disputes of this kind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say, if any Colony desires the assistance of one of His Majesty's ships, that the officer commanding, if he thinks the possibility is likely to occur, is at once to sail away so that the Colony cannot have the advantage of his assistance?

All these questions are, as the lion. Gentleman will readily appreciate, matters of tact and discretion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a notice has been posted up at the Naval Hospital, Yarmouth, signed by Richard Millar, fleet surgeon, stating that applications in respect of pay and other questions from civilian employés in the hospital are to be sent to him by the 31st March next; whether in December last the employés' trade union sent a petition asking improved conditions of service, which was officially recognised by the Admiralty; and if he can state the reason for any proposed departure from the principle of collective bargaining?

My hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. The notice in question is the preliminary to the annual hearing of petitions. Thereafter these will be heard by me either in London or the Yards, and in presenting them the workmen may have the assistance as usual of advocates not in our employment. In the case of an Establishment such as Yarmouth, where the number of employés is comparatively small, the men have the same right of petitioning as all others; and though it may not be possible for me personally to visit Yarmouth, the men can put their case to their local officers, and in any case in which they may consider it to be desirable to accord an interview to the employés or employé concerned, such employés or employé may, if they so desire, be accompanied by a person chosen by themselves, to assist them to state or argue their case.

asked how many vessels belonging to the White Star Line have been armed with guns by the Admiralty; what is the estimated cost of arming such vessels; if any sum of money is paid annually or otherwise to the owners of the vessels in respect of their being so armed; and what steps have been taken to ensure that the vessels shall be available for the purposes for which they are armed in the event of war?

Twelve vessels of the White Star Line have been armed at the expense of the company, and no payment is made by the Admiralty. With regard to the last part of the question, the hon. Member is under a misapprehen- sion. No steps are being taken of the kind suggested, as it is necessary that the vessels should continue to follow in war as in peace their regular trading function, which is that of bringing supplies of food to this country.

Might I ask if the Admiralty, apart from any payment, are supplying materials to these vessels?

Yes, certainly.

Is this a British or an: American company?

I cannot answer on the spur of the moment to questions of that kind. Notice should be given. The status of the company was carefully considered before the gulls were issued.

May I ask whether there are any other companies put in the same position as the White-Star Line with reference to this question of supplying ships to the Admiralty?

It is not a question of supplying ships to the Admiralty in time of war. My right hon. Friend will. I believe, realise that this process of arming ships has been confined to ships carrying food to this country in time of war for their self defence.

Might I ask the-right hon. Gentleman why he selects ships controlled. by a foreign nation to arm them for British purposes?

I do not think that is a correct version of the case, but if I am to give an answer on the exact status of the ships of the White Star Line I must have a question upon the Paper so that I can give the House authoritative information on the subject.

Do most of these. big White Star ships sail under the Blue Ensign?

I cannot answer that question.

asked whether after having removed the obsolete battleship "Empress of India" from moorings in the fairway off Ryde, where she was a peril to navigation in foggy weather, the Admiralty have since seen fit to moor another obsolete battleship in exactly the same place; and, if so, when they propose to move her?

His Majesty's ship "Resolution" has recently been moored in the position vacated by the "Empress of India" at the Motherbank. It is not considered that she is a danger to navigation in her present position, and it is not proposed to move her.

Has the right hon. Gentleman himself ever crossed between Portsmouth and Ryde?

I should be no judge if had.

asked how many men are now employed at Rosyth; what provision for housing them has been made by the Government; whether some of them are lodged in unsanitary conditions; whether there is a great deal of overcrowding; and what steps, if any, the Government are taking in the matter?

About 3,500 men are now employed at Rosyth. No provision for housing has been made by the Admiralty. No complaints have lately been received of men being lodged in unsanitary conditions, or of overcrowding, since the contractor erected a hut village contiguous to the work for the accommodation of about 900 men.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a certain number of the men are still housed in houses which were described as very unsatisfactory two and a half years ago?

I have just told the Noble Lord that no complaints have lately been received of men being lodged in insanitary conditions, or of overcrowding.

Has the hon. Gentleman, or anybody on behalf of the Admiralty, made an inspection recently of the conditions of housing at Rosyth?

We are in constant and close communication both with the contractors and the officials at Rosyth, and it would I presume, be the duty of the Scottish Local Government Board to bring to the notice of the Admiralty any complaints.

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the question I addressed to him: whether any inspection of the housing conditions at Rosyth has recently been made on behalf of the Admiralty?

I cannot answer that without notice. If the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I will give him a full answer.

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Admiralty purpose to lay out a garden city at Rosyth?

That is a different question. It does not arise out of this.

I will put down further questions on this point.

asked how many of the new airships are equipped, or to be equipped, with firing platforms above the gas container for the purpose of attacking aeroplanes flying above them?

A suitable armament will be provided for the new airships varying with the type. I can give no technical details.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of including in the Estimates details of the airships and of the number possessed by other Powers?

We must consider how far details can be given. I see no objection to a statement of the numbers.

asked how many protected cruisers have been transferred to the sale or subsidiary lists since the beginning of 1913; and how many new vessels of this class have been completed in the same period?

Twelve protected cruisers have been transferred to the sale or subsidiary lists since the beginning of 1913, and four new vessels of this class have been completed in the same period On the other hand, eighteen light cruisers are under construction.

According to the right hon. Gentleman's figures have we not a net loss of eight cruisers since January, 1913?

By the process of subtracting four from twelve you get the result of eight. On the other hand, eighteen light cruisers are under construction.

asked whether Germany has a larger number of destroyers in full commission in Northern Europe than Great Britain; and, if so, what is the reason for passing into the Reserve a number of ocean-going destroyers of the "Tribal" class?

It would be literally true but actually very misleading to say that Germany has a larger number of destroyers in full commission than Great Britain. This statement could only be made good if all German destroyers, including the school and the reserve flotillas, were counted as being in full commission and if all the British flotillas in active commission were excluded. The word "Reserve" is not appropriate to the Second Fleet into which the "Tribal" class have been gradually passed as new destroyers join the flotillas of the First Fleet.

As a matter of fact has not Germany seventy-seven destroyers in full commission against our sixety-nine in the North Sea?

It is very misleading to take what is on paper as a true statement in that form.

asked the number of destroyers which will be in full commission in Home waters when the destroyers of the 1912–13 programme are completed?

The present authorised establishment to be worked consists of four flotillas of twenty destroyers each, and one destroyer tender to the Fleet flagship. This number of eighty-one is expected to be fully reached when the de- stroyers of the 1912–13 programme are completed, but it may, of course, vary slightly from time to time.

asked the number of destroyers now in full commission in Home waters, and the number of destroyers which Germany has in full commission?

We have sixty-nine in full commission and eighty-five in active commission distributed between patrol and local defence flotillas. All these are manned without calling out Reserves. Germany has, at the present moment, in commission in Home waters seventy-seven destroyers organised in school, manœuvre, and reserve flotillas.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the strength of the Fourth (Gibraltar) Battle Squadron was officially declared two years ago to be six ships, to be increased to eight if necessary; whether this force consists now of only four battleships; and whether and, if so, for what reason it has been decided to transfer the "Lord Nelson," "Agamemnon," and "Cornwallis," to the reserve on the completion of the "Marlborough," "Iron Duke," and "Benbow"?

It is not considered necessary on military grounds to complete the Fourth Battle Squadron this year, and it will also be more convenient to defer the completion of that squadron until it can be made a homogeneous formation composed entirely of the early "Dreadnoughts." The expression "Reserve" which the hon. Member applies to the Second Fleet is not correct. No men from the Reserve are used in the manning of any of these ships in peace or war.

As a matter of fact have we not two battleships less than the right hon. Gentleman spoke of as necessary in 1912, and four ships less than he spoke of as advisable; and in view of these facts does not the right hon. Gentleman propose to increase the defensive force in the Mediterranean?

We are developing the Fleet organisation in relation to that of other Powers, and our organisation will keep pace with this development, and is keeping pace with those developments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received a complaint that in the Fairfield Shipyard cork-dusting on two torpedo-destroyers is being done by unskilled labour; whether he is aware that this work is done by 'skilled labour in the other yards in the Clyde area, and up till recently also in the Fairfield Yard; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter without delay and prevent any encroachments on existing recognised conditions in accordance with the terms of the Fair-Wages Clause?

A complaint has been received and inquiry is being made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty. whether his attention has been drawn to the wreck that recently occurred off Shoreham Harbour, in Sussex, when the captain alone was rescued by the action of three men from Southwick; whether he is aware that the wreck was not observed by the Coastguards; whether he will state what arrangements exist for watching this part of the coast; and, seeing that this is not the first occasion when disasters have occurred here without observation, whether he will see that adequate arrangements for observations are made for the future?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the case of the steamship "Miown." The lights of that vessel were observed by the Coastguard at Southwick between 2 and 3 a.m. I understand that at about 3 a.m. the green light disappeared and the white light remained burning, from which it was assumed that the vessel had anchored. The weather being hazy, it was not until 7.15 a.m. that there was sufficient light to enable the vessel to be distinguished as a wreck. The wreck was also observed at daylight by the crew of Kingston-on-Sea Coastguard Station. No distress or sound signals were made by the vessel. The crew of Southwick Coastguard Station consists of five ratings, and that at Kingston-on-Sea of six; every part of the coast between the limits of the stations is patrolled and visited once in twenty-four hours, and constant day and night watch is kept at the watch-rooms and from the beach when the station officer considers the weather sufficiently bad. In the light of what I have stated, I do not think that there is any evidence to show that the watching arrangements are not adequate.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to grant the medals for general services in the operations carried out by His Majesty's Navy in the Persian Gulf in the years 1909 to 1912?

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to a similar question by the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the 12th of this month.

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that this matter has been before the House for a year and a half? There were men severely wounded in these operations who have not received the medal which they think they are entitled to.

I have given a great deal of attention to this matter, and have carefully considered the importance of the operations referred to. I am now inquiring whether a general method which would cover all these operations of a similar character cannot be instituted. That is a very important step, which involves reference to many authorities, and no decision has been reached at the present time.

Would the operations in the Aden Hinterland also come under this regulation?

I presume the Noble Lord is referring to the naval ratings engaged in the operations?

To all the men.

I rather think I have nothing to do with that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can see his way to alloying pensioned seamen and others below the warrant and subordinate ranks to commute part of their pension, a privilege which has been allowed to soldiers of similar standing for over twenty years, and to the warrant ranks in the Royal Navy for over forty years; and, if this privilege cannot be granted by administrative order, whether he will propose the necessary amendments to the regulations?

The question of the commutation of the pensions of seamen and Marines has been fully considered, but the introduction of any such system was found to be inadvisable.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he intends to leave the investigation concerning the reported murder of Mr. Benton by General Villa entirely in the hands of the United States Government?

As will have appeared from the answer given yesterday, we wish to have a British Consul on the spot to participate in whatever investigation of facts can be made, and for that purpose the British Consul at Galveston has been instructed to proceed to El Paso, which is on the frontier, but I am not prepared to send him into the dangerous district until there is some assurance that he will be safe.

What status will the British Consul have in this investigation?

He will represent His Majesty's Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to secure that this investigation shall be as brief and conducted as rapidly as possible?

I think that has been our policy all through.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have the right, under Section 25 of the British South Africa Company's Charter, to appoint a director to the Board of the Chartered Company; whether this right has been taken advantage of; and, if not, will he explain why this has not been done?

The Crown possesses the power referred to, but it has not been thought by any previous Government desirable to exercise it, and I do not, differ from their decision. The necessary control over the company's proceedings is, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, better secured by the administrative machinery set up by Order in Council.

In view of the present dispute as to the title to land in Rhodesia, is it not advisable to try and ascertain what are the aims and ideas of the company?

The object of the. question is to decide the rights rather than to ascertain the views of the company.

Does not the. right hon. Gentleman consider it worth while to appoint a representative of the Government on the board of the company, having regard to the fact that the company's Charter expires in September' next?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he received last year any Report on labour conditions in the New Hebrides; and, if so, whether he will make it public?

I have received no general Report for last year on labour conditions in New Hebrides, but the question is one of those which still engages my most careful attention.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether Dr. Borgesius, the native advocate appointed under the Condominium Government of the New Hebrides, has complained that he is hampered in every way by the French officials from assisting the natives; whether the French officials have forbidden Dr. Borgesius going outside Vila, the capital, on business connected with. his office, contending that his duties, as set forth by the Convention, do not warrant his assisting natives otherwise than before the Joint Court; whether it is the contention of His Majesty's Government that Article 17 of the Convention was intended to convey that the native advocate is free to assist the natives in any way he can; and, if so, whether the Government will send telegraphic instructions to the British resident Commissioner to that effect?

The subject referred to is one of those which it is hoped may be discussed with the French Government. In order that the issue of that discussion may be as satisfactory as possible I would much prefer not, in anticipation, to enter into details in this House.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the extreme gravity of the statements which are coming here with regard to labour conditions in the New Hebrides, and can he give us any idea when these conversations in France are likely to take place or be completed?

I realise the gravity of the reports. I could not give any further information as to when the conversations with France are likely to take place. Any question on that subject should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

May I ask whether it was recently disclosed in evidence in open Court in the New Hebrides that a plantation had changed hands, the assets, including implements, cattle, and thirty-three labourers, the labourers being valued at £50 each; and whether a total of £1,650 was actually paid for these thirty-three men and boys?

The hon. Member should put that question on the Paper.

I will do so.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if negotiations are proceeding with the French Government for any change in the status of the whole or of some of the islands of the New Hebrides group?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great anxiety felt in Australia with regard to the statements that have appeared in the Press?

Yes, Sir. An answer was given in reply to a private notice question yesterday on that subject. There is no foundation for the anxiety that has been felt in Australia on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, under the banishment enact- ments of the Federated Malay States, a number of persons are undergoing imprisonment for indefinite periods who have never had any legal trial, but have returned to the Malay States after banishment?

Under the Federated Malay States Banishment Enactment any person who has been lawfully banished from the colony of the Straits Settlements or from any Malay State is prohibited from entering the Federated Malay States so long as the term for which he was banished has not expired, and any person so returning may be prosecuted before the court, and if convicted, sentenced to imprisonment for a term equal to that for which he was banished. I may add that the working of the banishment system has had very careful attention, and that I am in communication with the High Commissioner for the Malay States on the subject at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these persons who have been banished, have been banished because they were suspected of inculcating the principles of trade unionism among the natives?

I am not sure that those high principles have yet reached that part of the world.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much of the £779,500, which the 6,800 Imperial troops in South Africa cost annually, would be saved if these same troops were quartered in this country?

The cost would be reduced by about £140,000 a year if the present establishments of officers, men, and horses were quartered at home. I should, perhaps, add that that assumes that there would be no difficulty in regard to barrack accommodation, a matter I cannot deal with by question and answer. As a matter of fact, it they were all brought home the saving would be much less, owing to the increased barrack accommodation that would be required.

Would the saving be only £140,000 if they were all brought home?

Yes; that is apart from the question of barrack room, which would still further reduce the saving.

asked the Secretary of State for War as regards officers of His Majesty's Army in actual service, or on half-pay, or retired on pension, or with permission to use military rank, whether there are any, and what sort of Army regulations, rules, or station orders in force in Ireland, Egypt, or India permitting or prohibiting them from recruiting or drilling embodied ranks of civilian subjects where no sanction for such assembling of men has been given by the Crown or by the authority responsible to the Crown and Parliament?

The hon. Gentleman will find in the King's Regulations, paragraph 449A, the only standing Army Regulation which restricts the liberty of officers on full pay or half-pay in reference to private associations not recognised by the Army Council as forming part of the Army. This does not apply to officers on retired pay.

asked the Secretary of State for War the present strength of the field ambulances and voluntary aid detachments, respectively, which would be available for service with the Territorial Force?

On 1st January the strength of the Territorial Force field ambulances was 10,945, all ranks. The present aggregate personnel of the voluntary aid detachments is 69,426.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the rifle ranges at Runnemede are to be closed; and, if so, what arrangement he has made, or proposes to make, to provide rifle ranges for the Regular and Territorial Forces of London and the London districts?

This range is privately owned, but there has been no decision to close it, so far as I am aware.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to provide in the coming Army Estimates that old soldiers who have served ten years or more with the Colours and who, through age or infirmity, are unable to maintain themselves should be granted a weekly allowance sufficient to keep them out of the workhouse and relieve them of the taint of pauperism?

I am afraid that I cannot undertake to alter the existing Regulations in the manner proposed.

May I ask why?

There are very large financial considerations involved, as well as others which I cannot undertake to deal with at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has arrived at a decision with regard to the request for compensation made by the proprietors of the Dover Aerodrome for the loss to them due to the Aerial Navigation Orders, 1913; and, if so, whether he will communicate it?

When a decision has been reached on the different points arising out of this matter, I will inform the Noble Viscount.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now a year since the matter was brought to the notice of the Government, and, in view of the fact that those concerned are incurring a financial loss, will he endeavour to accelerate the decision?

It is a very big question. I do not know that acceleration would be in the interests of all parties concerned. I will certainly not lose sight of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a second lieutenant of the Royal Field Artillery, who is attached to a battery for a period which may extend to eighteen months until he is posted to some battery, is not entitled to draw forage for a horse, whereas a Special Reserve subaltern draws forage during his attachment; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of providing for the forage for a horse being given at once to the former officer?

An officer of the Royal Field Artillery is entitled to forage for one horse under paragraph 123, Allowance Regulations, and I am not aware that any second lieutenant attached pending posting has been treated differently from other officers in this respect. If the hon. Gentleman has a case in mind and will let me have the particulars I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to relieve Sir Edward Ward of the payment of the £2,000 damages awarded against him as a representative of the Army Council in the recent libel case; and, if so, under what Vote it will appear?

I am not in a position to make any statement on this matter pending the possibility of an appeal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange that the General Annual Report of the British Army shall be presented to both Houses of Parliament a clear week before the Debates are taken on the Army Estimates?

The Report will be in the hands of Members early next week.

Will that be something like a week before the Debate comes on?

That is a matter on which I cannot make a statement. I am not aware of the exact date of the Army Estimates Debate, but it will give full time. I should think something like a week, but I do not know exactly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is vet in a position to state whether the Government will assist miniature rifle clubs in the provision of free ammunition?

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the importance of encouraging the practice of rifle shooting amongst the younger members of the civilian population and of the value of the training in rifle practice given by the rifle clubs of the country, and in view also of the fact that many men who join or desire to join these rifle clubs are poor and unable to afford to purchase ammunition, he will recommend a Grant, either in money or in ammunition, to, efficient rifle clubs, and thereby enable men who could not otherwise afford it to become proficient in rifle shooting?

No decision as to the future position of these clubs in relation to the Army has yet been arrived at.

When may we expect a decision? It. is over a year since the right hon. Gentleman told us that he was considering it.

I cannot say the precise date when this difficult question will be settled.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will before another year has passed?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what date the labourers employed in the Government Ordnance Factory near Selby, Yorkshire, received an advance of wages of 6d. a week to compensate them for the withdrawal of the three months' half-pay to which they were entitled when sick before the National Insurance Act came into force; whether the last advance of wages which they received was an advance of 1s. 6d. per week granted to them in February, 1913, to date back to 1st. July, 1912; whether this advance of 1s. 6d. was granted to them in order to bring their wages more nearly up to the trade-union rate of wages in the district; whether they were informed, and, if so, how that any part of this advance of 1s. 6d. per week was to compensate them for the withdrawal of their sick pay; and whether the present wages of such Government employés are at a less rate per hour than the trade union rate of wages for labourers in the district?

An advance of 1s. a week was given from 1st April, 1911, of which 6d. was in anticipation of the Insurance Act, but as I explained on the 16th instant, did not involve withdrawal of three months' half-pay. The advance of 1s. 6d. a week given in February, 1913, was granted in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. The fact that compensation had been previously given was made clear by a War Office circular issued in July, 1912. The trade-union rate of wages is not in question, but I am making further inquiry as to the prevailing rates in the district.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any intimation was given to these employés that the advance was given in anticipation of the Insurance Act?

I have no reason to think that it was not made known.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the practice of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to record all site values on occasions for the ascertainment of Increment Value Duty whether such duty is payable or not; and, if so, whether a purchaser can obtain information as to the amount of such recorded site value?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except in some instances where it is clear that no duty can in any case be payable. The particulars so recorded may be obtained by purchasers as persons interested in the land.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Estate Duty valuations of real estate were outstanding on the 29th September, 1913; and how many such cases related to deaths which had taken place before the 30th April, 1909?

The number of valuations of the kind referred to by the hon. Member outstanding on the date mentioned was 16,040. The number of such cases which related to deaths before the 30th April, 1909, is not on record.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received complaints to the effect that cheques drawn for the suns of 30s. maternity benefit have, after presentation, been returned marked no effects; and whether effective steps have been, or will be, taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?

My right hon. Friend has received no complaints of the character referred to, but if the hon. Member will furnish him with particulars of any specific case he will be glad to make inquiry.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is his intention to appoint this Session a Commission or Committee to inquire into the working of the National Insurance Act?

I would ask my hon. Friend to await the Debate on this question which, as he is aware, will take place this evening on the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Altrincham.

asked who is the Minister responsible for the replies to questions relating to the National Insurance Act?

For the present my hon. Friend the Member for St. George's-in-the-East has undertaken to reply to these questions, but the matter is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any moneys representing contributions paid under the National Insurance Act, and at the disposal of the Insurance Commission, have been, or will be, handed over to the National Debt Commissioners to finance the Irish Land Purchase Acts, 1903 and 1909; and, if not, will he state to what use they are being applied or how they are invested, and what is their total amount?

The sums paid over to the National Debt Commissioners under the National Insurance Act are invested in securities authorised by Parliament as investments for Savings Banks Funds. These investments include advances for Irish land purchase. Full details of the amounts so invested will be shown in the Statutory Annual Return of the investments made, which will be laid at an early date.

asked whether a deposit contributor who was over sixty-five years of age at the commencement of the National Insurance Act, and who has paid more than twenty-six contributions, is entitled to free medical benefit for the rest of his life?

A deposit contributor is only entitled to such benefits as can be provided from the amount standing to his credit in the deposit contributor's fund (including the moneys provided by Parliament). It follows, therefore, that when a deposit contributor has passed the age of seventy, and further contributions are not payable in respect of him, he will not be entitled to medical benefit after the sum standing to his credit has been exhausted.

asked whether, in the case of an insured person who dies after an illness of a month, during which he was entitled to receive sickness benefit, but has not received it, his representatives are entitled to claim the amount of the benefit after his death?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the concern felt by the friendly societies regarding the attitude of the Government towards their meetings upon licensed premises, he will give this House an opportunity of discussing the matter?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has received a resolution of protest from the Hearts of Oak Society against the Regulation of the National Insurance Commissioners to deprive the members of the friendly societies of their right to hold meetings at such places as the majority of their members consider convenient and advantageous; if in these Regulations there is an attempt to dictate to the societies on matters of procedure which ought to be left to their own judgment; whether the Regulation will apply only to the State sections of the approved societies; if so, whether it is proposed to disconnect the work of the two sections; and whether he will state why such Regulation has been made, having regard to the promise repeatedly made in this House and elsewhere by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that no such interference would take place?

My right hon. Friend intends to communicate further with approved societies on this subject, and will consider very carefully such representations as lave been made by the society referred to in the second question. In the meantime, no regulations have been or will be made.

Arising out of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, and the fact that regulations have already been made for Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment of the House to-night.

asked (1) whether any valuations have been completed in any of the one hundred societies in England and the nine societies in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland in which reserve values have been provisionally claimed on the advice of the Insurance Commissioners; if made, what is the result of such valuations in each case; if not made, is it intended that valuations shall be made forthwith; and (2) whether the Insurance Commissioners have yet called upon any of the approved societies to reduce the benefits or increase the contributions, in view of the deficiences which are now inevitable in some societies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Bradford on the 16th instant, to which my right hon. Friend has nothing to add.

asked how many insured persons had not selected a doctor for the purpose of the National Insurance Acts at the end of the first insurance year; and in how many cases had doctors been assigned to insured persons by insurance committees before that date?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is not available, and could not be obtained without a special return from all insurance committees in Great Britain.

Has the hon. Gentleman no information in regard to what the insurance committees are doing in regard to medical benefit?

There is no information which would be sufficiently accurate and extensive to be given in answer to this question.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think the matter of sufficient importance to get the information?

If the hon. Member will put down a Motion for a Return it will be considered.

asked whether, if an insured person becomes entitled to sick benefit in September and again in February of the following year, sick benefit is payable from the first day or the fourth day on the second occasion, having regard to the fact that the financial year closes on the 15th January, and to the fact that such a second illness is deemed to be a continuation of the first?

In the circumstances stated benefit is payable from the first day. Under Section 8 (5) of the Act of 1911 a second illness is deemed to be a continuation of a previous illness in respect of which benefit has been paid unless a period of twelve months has elapsed between the two illnesses. The fact that the second illness does not occur in the same financial year as the first does not affect the question.

Will the hon. Gentleman have that made clear?

No doubt an answer given in this House will make it clear.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has received any report from the West Hartlepool Insurance Committee as to a statement of a member at a meeting of the committee on 21st January, 1914, that the sickness claims on his society were excessive, especially in the women's section; and whether the Government have evidence to show that the women's sections of approved societies in that district are in danger of showing deficiencies at the first Valuation?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him to a similar question on the 18th instant.

Will the hon. Member inquire as to whether there-have been any excessive claims on this. society?

Yes, Sir, I will be very glad to make inquiry.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his-attention has been called to the case of Charles Day, of 54, Bell Street, Edgware-Road, N.W., a member of the London. Thrift Approved Society, of 134, Ladywell Road, Lewisham, S.E., who entered the Marylebone Poor Law Infirmary on the 12th January last, remaining there three weeks, and who is unable to get sick pay from his approved society because the society will pay only on the production of the doctor's certificate and the infirmary doctor and authorities refuse to give one; and whether any pressure can be brought to bear either upon the approved society or the infirmary officials so that this man may obtain his rights?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. My attention had not been previously drawn to this case. It is the duty of the medical officer of the infirmary, under the Local Government Board's Regulations, to give a certificate to the person on whom he is attending of the sickness of such person or the cause of his attendance on him, and I am calling the attention of the guardians to this requirement.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) what the total sum is which has been paid in sickness. benefit to male insured persons up to 1st January, 1914; and if he will state what the total sum was which the Government actuaries estimated would be required for this benefit for these persons up to the date mentioned; and (2) what is the total sum which has been paid in sickness benefit to female insured persons up to 1st January, 1914; and if he will state what the total sum was which the Government actuaries estimated would be required for this benefit for these persons up to the date mentioned?

The information asked for in the first half of the questions is not yet available. The sums spent in sickness benefit for the twelve months ending 11th January, 1914, will only be reliably ascertained when the accounts of the expenditure of all the approved societies and branches in the United Kingdom have been made up and audited. The figures asked for in the second part of the questions are:— £4,200,000 for men, £1,250,000 for women.

asked whether, under the Regulations issued by the National Insurance Joint Committee, any person entering insurance after the 13th October, 1913, who is over thirty years of age at the time of entry, will only receive 5s. a week sickness benefit in lieu of the 10s. provided for under the National Insurance Act, even though it may not be due to any fault of his that he joined after the 13th October, 1913?

The Regulations referred to merely give effect to the provisions of Section 9 (4) of the Act of 1911, as amended by Section 2 (1) of the Act of 1913.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it was recorded in the last minutes of the Glasgow insurance committee that twenty-seven persons were awaiting admission to sanatoria, and that no less than 208 applications for sanatorium benefit were waiting consideration by the committee?

My right hon. Friend's attention had not previously been drawn to the statement referred to. He is making inquiry, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that the institution at Blackwall could be made available in twenty-four hours?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me particulars as to the institution.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the Conference of the Poor Law authorities on 18th February last, where it was stated that such authorities have spare accommodation for tuberculous persons; and whether, in view of the fact that there is still a shortage of accommodation for insured tuberculous persons which is causing delay in their treatment, he will do his best co effect a temporary arrangement similar to that in connection with the Metropolitan Asylums Board, so that such spare accommodation may be utilised for them?

It is not open to insurance committees to make arangements for the treatment of insured persons by Poor Law authorities. The case of the Metropolitan Asylums Board is governed, as the hon. Member knows, by special provisions in the 1913 Act.

Does not the hon. Member think that an amending Bill ought to be brought in to make it possible for the Poor Law authorities to give accommodation to insured persons who cannot get in elsewhere?

Has the Metropolitan Asylums Board no spare accommodation?

I could not answer that without notice.

asked whether complaints have been made by Gloucester panel doctors that certain approved societies have failed to supply forms for medical certificates and have ignored requests for such forms; whether insured persons' benefits are thereby in danger of disturbance, refusal, or delay; and what the Government propose to do in the matter?

The matter referred to had not previously been brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend, but he is in communication with the insurance committee and the approved societies concerned.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the allocation of insured persons to a doctor who has not been selected by them has given, and is giving, rise to discontent and dissatisfaction; whether surprise and dissatisfaction has been caused by the interpretation which has been placed by the National Insurance Commissioners on Form 110-I.C. to the effect that a person who has been allocated to a doctor whom he has not selected is deemed to have selected that doctor; and whether the Commissioners will issue, or cause to be issued, to insured persons a circular instructing them what steps they should take if they wish to change the doctor whom they have not selected but to whom they have been allocated?

Under the Regulations none in force no allocation is carried out except upon the application of insured persons themselves. It was open to insured persons who were allocated to doctors last year to change their doctor at the end of the year by giving the necessary notice; and every opportunity was taken of bringing to the knowledge of insured persons their rights in this respect. It is still open to insured persons who omitted to take the necessary steps last year and who now desire to change their doctor to do so by consent, and the Medical Card issued to insured persons already on the lists of doctors contains full instructions on the subject.

asked whether the statements of any societies or branches show a deficiency in the administration account for the period 15th July, 1912, to 12th January, 1913; if so, what is the number of such societies or branches; and what number of societies or branches have applied to the Commissioners to carry forward the deficiency in respect of the period from 15th July, 1912, to 12th January, 1913, to the year ending 11th January, 1914?

For the reasons indicated in the answer I gave to the hon. Member on the 16th instant, the Commissioners have no complete information as to the numbers asked for. The information in their possession, however, shows administration deficiencies for the period stated in 356 cases, treating deficiencies in branches of a society and deficiencies in more than one country, in the case of international societies, as separate deficiencies. Applications to carry forward have been received in 289 cases. In most of the cases so brought before the Com- mission which have so far been examined the deficiency is such that it can be included in the 1913 account without being likely to cause a deficiency on that account.

Are we to take it in regard to the deficiencies that have occurred in 356 cases that they have been carried forward to next year?

I stated that in most cases, so far as we know, the deficiencies can be carried forward without expecting that there will be a deficiency in the following year.