asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the whole territory of the Mexican Republic, or only its northern provinces, is within the sphere of influence of the United States Government in the same degree that Southern Persia is within the sphere of influence of the British Empire; and whether, in either case, the duty and responsibility of the State Department at Washington to protect British lives and property will be more effectively insisted on by the Foreign Office?

There is no analogy between the conditions in Mexico and Persia, nor are there any spheres of influence in Mexico. The United States Government, who alone are in a position to hold any communication with General Villa, have offered to use what influence they have with the Constitutionalists on behalf of foreign lives and property.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state for how long General Huerta and the party which he leads have been in effective control of the capital city and of the greater portion of the territory of the Mexican Republic; and whether, in view of the risk to British lives and to British capital involved by the prolongation of the present position, he will recognise General Huerta and his government?

General Huerta became provisional President of Mexico on 19th February, 1913, and was recognised as such by His Majesty's Government at the end of March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any information as to the progress of the investigation into the death of Mr. Benton in Mexico?

The only information that I can give to-day is as follows:—We heard yesterday evening that His Majesty's Consul from Galveston was leaving El Paso yesterday morning with Mr. James Hambleton, F.R.G.S., as British representative, two United States Army surgeons and an American lawyer and doctor. But we have heard this morning from Washington that the Secretary of State considers that it would not be safe to send the commission at present, and that he has ordered it to wait. My right hon. Friend will make a statement on the subject after Questions to-morrow.

asked whether the Albanian deputation that recently waited on the Prince of Wied, under the leader ship of Essad Pasha, to offer him the throne of Albania contained any representatives from the district of Northern Epirus which is to form part of his kingdom?

I have no information as to the composition of the deputation referred to.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Yes, I think we might do that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has assented to the district of Northern Epirus being policed by an Albanian gendarmerie under Dutch officers on its evacuation by Hellenic troops and its absorption in the newly-formed kingdom of Albania?

The proposed course has the approval of all the six Powers, and as one of the Powers we agree to it.

Does the hon. Gentleman think those Albanian brigands will make good gendarmes?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked whether the inhabitants of Northern Epirus have established a provisional Government and proclaimed their autonomy; whether this action has been taken in view of their determination not to submit themselves to a form of government controlled by their ancient opponents, the Mussulman population of Albania; and whether this country intends to associate itself with any attempt that may be made to overcome their resistance by force of arms?

I have been informed that placards have been circulated at Vallona announcing the proclamation of the autonomy of Epirus under a certain Spiro Milio. I have no further official information on the subject. The matter has not yet been discussed between the Powers. I am unable, therefore, to say to what contingencies it may give rise.

asked whether the Reverend Mr. Bowskill, at the request of the Portuguese authorities, risked his life in going out to meet the rebel leaders who were attacking San Salvador; and whether Mr. Bowskill demanded that before doing so the request should be made in writing?

We have received copies of letters written by Mr. Bowskill in December, extracts from which have appeared in the Press. It would appear from them that the statements in the hon. Member's question are correct.

Is the statement in the "Times" to-day correct, that this dispute had no connection with the administration of the labour regulations?

We are not informed about that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Consul-General at Boma is within easy reach of San Salvador, the post at which the Rev. Mr. Bowskill is under arrest; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of telegraphing instructions, either to the Consul-General at Boma or to the Vice-Consul at Leopoldville, to proceed at once to San Salvador to institute a full inquiry?

His Majesty's Consul at Loanda has been instructed to ascertain as quickly as possible the grounds of Mr. Bowskill's arrest, and the causes leading to it. He is also to inquire as to Mr. Bowskill's whereabouts. His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon has been instructed to inform the Portuguese Government of the serious impression which will be created by the arrest, and to ask them to ascertain and inform him of the facts, and, pending an inquiry, to have Mr. Bowskill released. I have also asked the Portuguese Government to afford facilities to the Acting British Consul at Boma, who has been instructed to proceed at once to make inquiries on the spot into the circumstances of the arrest, and furnish a full report. I have just heard from Lisbon that instructions have been sent to afford all facilities and every assistance to the British Consul.

We have to-day received a telegram from His Majesty's Consul at Loanda, stating that at the telegraphic request of the head of the mission at Matadi, on 25th February, he informed the Governor-General, who immediately telegraphed through the Administration at Noqui to the Governor of the Portuguese Congo, who is on his way to San Salvador, for an immediate explanation of the arrest with instructions to liberate Mr. Bowskill immediately unless there were strict legal reasons for his detention, in which case the entire responsibility for the detention would be on the Governor of the Congo. Mr. Hall Hall adds that a reply is expected about 4th March, owing to communications with San Salvador being interrupted.

Are not the good offices of the British Foreign Office in a case like this conditional upon the abstention of the reverend gentleman from interference in Portuguese politics?

The good offices of the British Foreign Office are always at the disposal of any British subject who is arrested until we are assured that the arrest is in strict accordance with law.

Is it a fact that the only interference which is suggested was at the request of the Portuguese Government?

We do not yet know the circumstances of the arrest. We know what happened in December fully from letters which have been received, but our difficulty now is to find out the circumstances of the recent arrest.

Would the request of the Portuguese authorities in such a case justify such intervention as is inferable on the part of this reverend gentleman?

I think we had better wait until we have some information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can publish or lay upon the Table of the House the text of the letter recently received from the United States Government regarding the preparations for the next Hague Conference?

I cannot publish the communication from the United States Government without their leave. As soon as an answer has been returned to it I shall have no objection to stating the nature of the communication and of His Majesty's Government's reply, and perhaps this will meet the hon. Member's wishes.

When will the answer be returned?

Not exactly, but the matter is now under the most definite consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will give a reference to the Act of Parliament, and point out the Clause or Section therein under which the Board of Agriculture issue an embargo on all Irish livestock consigned from areas free of disease; and whether he will in future modify the action hitherto followed preventing importations of livestock from uninfected districts in Ireland?

The Order of the Board, dated 13th February, to which I presume my hon. Friend refers, was made under the powers conferred on the Board by Section 22, Sub-sections xvii. and xxxvii. of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894. With regard to the second part of the question, I can only say that in taking such action as may appear to them to be necessary as a precaution against the introduction of disease, the Board will always do their utmost to mitigate the loss and inconvenience which is inevitably caused to persons interested in the Irish livestock trade on both sides of the Channel.

I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the adjournment.

What was the result of the inquiry which has been made at Birkenhead as to the origin of this disease?

I am afraid I cannot make any statement on this subject at present. Evidence was taken at the inquiry, but the Report has not yet been drawn up.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, when cattle from Ireland are placed in quarantine at Birkenhead or other ports they are fed on foreign hay; and whether, if such is the case, he will forthwith forbid the practice?

The fodder supplied to Irish cattle at the landing places in Great Britain is provided in some cases by the owners of the landing places and in others by the owners of the cattle. Hay from Canada was supplied to some Irish cattle in the Woodside lairage at Birkenhead at the beginning of last month, but the Board have no means of knowing with certainty the origin of all hay supplied. Foreign hay is allowed to be imported only from countries known to be entirely free from foot-and-mouth disease, and in these circumstances I am not prepared to prohibit its use.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what countries on the Continent are free from foot-and-mouth disease?

The hon. Gentleman should give notice of that question.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to lay the same embargo upon litter and other food stuffs as upon hay and straw?

I should have to consider that question. So far as these particular animals are concerned, it does not appear that they received any infection from either food stuffs or hay or straw.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, as Ireland is free from foot-and-mouth disease, he will have the restrictions removed and permit the exportation of live stock from Ireland to the markets in Great Britain?

asked when the shipment of cattle from Irish ports may be resumed?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to make a statement declaring the right of Irish cattle to be exported into Great Britain, seeing there is no evidence of cattle disease in any part of Ireland?

Veterinary officers of the Board and of the Irish Department met at Birkenhead on Thursday last and all available evidence bearing on the question of the origin of the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease was carefully examined and discussed. Some further communication between the representatives of the two Departments must take place before any conclusions can be arrived at. Meanwhile, I regret that the new outbreaks confirmed yesterday in the South of Ireland make it impossible for the restrictions upon the importation of Irish animals into Great Britain to be relaxed for the present.

As Cork lies at the extreme limit of the South of Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the opening of the ports in the north and east?

I am afraid that the position is still too uncertain to enable me to take the risk of opening the ports at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any foot-and-mouth disease in the North of England at present?

There was a case at Low Fell ten days ago, and there have been two or three cases in Liverpool quite recently, the Liverpool cases being, no doubt, connected with the Birkenhead outbreak.

Is there any reason why sheep should not be allowed to be exported from Glasgow to Ireland?

The export of sheep from Glagow can go on so far as I am concerned. If the Noble Lord means the export of sheep to Ireland the question should be addressed to the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether there has been any fresh case of foot-and-mouth disease in Worcestershire; and, if not, whether he can modify the Order now in force, so as to allow cattle and sheep to cross public roads, to enter adjoining buildings, for milking and lambing purposes?

No new cases of foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in Worcestershire. The Board have under consideration the issue of an Order to come into operation within the next few days, the effect of which will be to allow under licence the movement of animals for slaughter or for other special reasons within a large part of the scheduled area. Every effort will be made to minimise the unavoidable loss and inconvenience suffered by farmers, and applications may be made to the Board or to the inspector in charge for special leave to move animals in case of urgent necessity; but the hon. Member and the farmers themselves will. I have no doubt, recognise that exemptions can be allowed only in exceptionally urgent cases, for the value of the restrictions in preventing the spread of infection is lost unless they are rigorously enforced.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether similar regulations will be applied to Ireland?

That question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend at the head of the Irish Agricultural Department.

asked the Prime Minister: (1) Whether, having regard to the loss inflicted on Irish stockowners and traders in cattle between Great Britain and Ireland, in consequence of the restriction imposed on the landing and marketing of Irish cattle in this country and to the practice of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, when a single outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease occurs in Ireland, in issuing orders and regulations prohibiting the landing of animals from any part of Ireland however remote from the centre of infection, he will grant a Committee of Inquiry into the application of the existing law, as applied to the transit of cattle between Great Britain and Ireland in the event of an outbreak of disease in either country, and as to whether the regulations enforced by the British and Irish Departments were in accordance with the spirit of the Act of Parliament under which they claimed legal authority? (2) Whether, having regard to the complaints made by Irish cattle traders as to the loss inflicted on them by the present detention orders in Great Britain in consequence of the suffering of animals resulting therefrom, he will so word the terms of reference to any Committee of Inquiry he may appoint that will enable practical men engaged in the cattle traffic between Great Britain and Ireland to appear before the Committee and give evidence as to the hardships to which they are subjected in consequence of unnecessary delay and suffering inflicted on their stock and to which they have been witnesses, and to offer suggestions begotten of their own personal experience as to what improvements in present regulations are desirable?

I see no occasion for the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry as suggested by the hon. Member.

Having regard to the great importance of the cattle trade to Ireland and to the general desire expressed on this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of granting such a Committee of Inquiry into the transit question?

I do not see any reason to alter the decision come to.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland whether he has any information to give the House as to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland; and can he give any information as to the origin of the outbreak?

I have received the following telegram, dated 1st March: "To-day an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has been confirmed among cattle belonging to George Hanley, Ballinacourta, near Kinsale—four animals affected. Other outbreaks reported from Ballinacusha, near Queenstown, and from Grange Douglas, near Cork. These are being examined by Department's Inspectors, but evidence so far to hand strongly indicates that foot-and-mouth exists on these places. Officers have been despatched to the spot, and all the necessary measures are being taken for dealing with the outbreak. Some of the affected animals were bought last week at sales at Cork, and as there has been considerable intercourse between Cork and Birkenhead recently, involving movements of dealers and others, this is believed to be a likely source of infection as indicating the origin of the present outbreaks."

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that none of these dealers who are engaged in slaughtering cattle at Birkenhead—five of whom went to Greenore without being disinfected—took the infection with them?

It is quite impossible for me to answer a question of that kind. These men, returning from Birkenhead and from work of that kind, land at different ports, and it is almost impossible to detect them; but we are doing our best in that direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman now prepared to allow Scottish sheep from Glasgow into the North of Ireland?

I am in communication with the principal officers of the Department, in regard to that. I am not keeping the Irish ports closed against Scottish sheep because of an outbreak in Cork, but because of outbreaks at Durham and Liverpool.

Are there at Cork any facilities for the disinfection of persons engaged in this trade on returning from Cork market?

Yes. There are disinfecting facilities at all the ports under the charge of the Department.

asked whether, seeing that ordinary workmen in the Forest of Dean in the employment of the Crown receive a wage of 18s. a week with no allowances, and have to pay there-out a cottage rent, and that during the last eight years no increase has been made in such wage although the cost of commodities has risen by at least 10 per cent., the Government will, by way of example to private employers, forthwith advance the wages of such employés?

The wages of able-bodied men employed in the Dean Forest and on other Crown estates are under consideration; and I will make a statement when the revision is complete.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit the statement in the latter part of the question, that the cost of commodities has gone up by at least 10 per cent., which is not the fact. A number of commodities have gone down and been reduced in value?

That question had better be addressed to the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the financial difficulties and domestic embarrassments often occasioned to the lower paid State employés in the Forest of Dean owing to the receipt of their wages at intervals of one month or longer, he will make arrangements for their being paid weekly, in accordance with the usual practice on privately owned property?

No complaint about the present system of paying wages in Dean Forest once a month have been received from the men concerned. The men are widely scattered and the introduction of a weekly pay day would involve some inconvenience and waste of time. Should I, however, find reason to think that there is any general desire for payment after shorter intervals than at present, I will consider whether anything can be done to meet it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation on this subject when he is next at the Forest of Dean?

Of course, I would be very glad to meet them.

May I ask whether these wages are paid in arrear and not in advance, and whether a very small portion——

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will submit to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their consideration any tentative arrangements arrived at with France regarding the New Hebrides before they are finally ratified?

The Governments of the Commonwealth and New Zealand have been informed that they will be consulted before any new arrangement is entered into.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he proposes to reintroduce the Bee Disease Bill this Session?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he realises that a scheme for providing the district of West Dean and the town of Coleford, in the Forest of Dean, with a wholesome supply of water has, in view of the increasing population consequent upon coal-mining developments upon Crown Land, become essential to the health of the inhabitants and in settling the housing problem in the Forest; whether the Office of Woods and the Treasury have received an appeal from the Gloucestershire County Council and the district councils of the areas affected to make a substantial contribution towards the cost of carrying out the proposed scheme, without which it will be impracticable; and, if so, whether, in view of the increasing income derived by the Crown from mining royalties, the Government propose to respond generously to such appeal?

An appeal for a contribution out of the Land Revenues of the Crown towards the cost of a scheme for supplying West Dean and Coleford with water has been received, and I have been asked to see a deputation from the county council on the subject. I hope to be able before long to give the deputation an interview.

asked what is the acreage of land owned by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests in Scotland; and how much of it is let or used for sporting purposes?

The area of Crown land in Scotland under the management of the Commissioners of Woods is about 35,651 acres. The answer to the second part of the question is that about 3,300 acres are used for purposes of sport only, this area consisting of very wet ground, which is of no use for any other purpose except for grazing sheep for a few months in summer.

May I ask whether any of the rest of the land is partially used for sporting purposes?

I have no doubt that there is shooting over most of the Crown lands in Scotland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are shooting rights over the whole of the Crown lands, and that large rents are obtained for them?

I am well aware of that, but we do not allow sporting rights to interfere in any way with afforestation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer is not an answer to my question?

I have given as good an answer as I can. If the hon. Gentleman wants a further answer, perhaps he will put another question on the Paper.

asked whether recently on the renewal of a lease of No. 98, Portland Place, by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, the rent was increased by more than 4,500 per cent., namely, from £9 to £420, and in addition an expenditure on the premises by the tenant was required; and what was the amount of such expenditure?

The site was let on a building lease at £9 per annum as long ago as 1822, which lease expired at Michaelmas, 1911. The house was let by the Commissioners as from 5th January, 1912, at £420 a year after the first three months, the lessee undertaking to expend £1,000 in repairs and improvements towards which sum the Commissioners contributed a sum of £800.

asked how many fresh applications for small holdings were received by county councils in 1913; how many of these were approved; and in how many cases were holdings actually provided?

Fresh applications were received in 1913 from 4,061 persons, of whom 2,485 were approved. The number of new holdings provided in 1913 was 2,504.

asked how many acres of land were applied for in 1913 for the purpose of small holdings and how many acres were actually provided?

During the year 1913 applications were received for 70,064 acres, applicants were approved for 40,225 acres, and 25,046 acres were acquired for the purpose of small holdings.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how many of the 4,744 applicants for small holdings since the passing of the Act are considered to be suitable; how many of them were actually smallholders at the time and merely wished to change their holdings; and how many have been dealt with?

I regret that I am unable to give the Noble Lord detailed figures on these points. The great majority of the applicants are considered to be suitable.

How many small holdings have been given?

"Dealt with" are the words in the question. I cannot say.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, whether he will say how many of the 3,388 applicants for enlargements of crofts have been provided with enlargements?

The number of applicants actually provided with enlargements is 135. There are a number of other cases in various stages of progress.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman give me only number of enlargements when he cannot tell me the number of new holdings?

The question was not the number of new crofts which have actually been provided; it was how they had been dealt with.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how many small holdings have actually been provided under the provisions of the Small Holdings Act in deer forests; and how much arable or old arable ground is there actually available for such?

So far no small holdings have been provided under the Act in deer forests. In answer to the second part of the question, I would refer the Noble Lord to the Report of the Highlands and Islands Commission.

Are we to understand that this Report is correct, and that the other Reports concerning deer forests are incorrect?

I have no reason to say that the other Reports are incorrect.

asked if the average weekly earnings in cash and in kind of agriculture labourers in the counties of Shropshire, Oxfordshire, and Cornwall have risen since the Return for 1907; and, if so, by how much, respectively?

No inquiry into the total earnings of agricultural labourers, as distinct from their cash rates of wages, has been made since 1907. The annual inquiries into cash rates of wages show that, since that year, there has been a rise of about 2s. per week in several districts in Cornwall, and of 6d. or 1s. in a few areas in Shropshire. In Oxfordshire the upward movement was very slight.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his Department has received an offer of land free of cost for the building of cottages for agricultural labourers at Hastingleigh, near Ashford; if the offer was declined on the grounds that there was no demand for additional cottages and that the wages prevalent in the district would not admit of cottages being built and let at a satisfactory rent; and if the Government only propose to build rural cottages in districts where wages are above a certain level?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Board have no power to acquire land for the building of cottages, but if there had been any demand for additional cottages at Hastingleigh, and if the wages paid to agricultural labourers in the district had been sufficient to enable them to pay an economic rent, I should gladly have submitted the offer of land to the Treasury with a view to its acceptance by the Commissioners of Woods. With regard to the past part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to wait for the introduction of the Bill.

May I ask whether it is not a question of land being given free, gratis, and for nothing, but because there is not enough money allowed to admit of the construction of cottages which could be let at moderate rents, thereby giving an advantage to labourers?

The cost of land is not the only matter which has to be considered. The money for land is not a very large proportion of the cost.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, why tenders for furniture, etc., required in the public service are limited to manufacturers only; and whether, in view of the facts that the retailers, who are taxpayers and ratepayers, are thus prevented from tendering and many manufacturers refuse to tender except through retailers, he will abandon the restriction which limits the area of supply?

The course of action referred to is dictated by consideration of economy and a desire to render effective the Fair-Wages Resolution. In certain cases special articles are obtained from retailers.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that he is limiting the market by restricting the tenders to wholesalers?

I am sure that we are getting the best terms by going direct to the source of supply.

asked whether, in asking for tenders for goods required in the public service which are manufactured abroad, the tenders are limited to manufacturers or whether they are sought also from retailers?

Tenders are invited from manufacturers only.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what was the price paid for the 9 acres 1 rood 25 perches of land acquired by the Southgate Urban District Council for the erection of houses under the provisions of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and in respect of which the Local Government Board sanctioned a loan of £2,250; what, prior to acquisition, was the total gross and net rental, and the total assessment of this land to local rates, or, if this land formed a portion of a larger property, by how much the assessment of that larger property to local rates was reduced by reason of the severance of that portion?

The full price paid for the land was £3,250, the difference between that sum and £2,250 being sanctioned under the Public Health Act for highway purposes in respect of the getting of gravel. Prior to its acquisition, the gross estimated rental was £22 and rateable value £21.

How much does the cost of this land represent in the whole cost of the cottages and in the proposed weekly rents?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked what was the price paid for the 10 acres 1 rood and 9 perches of land acquired by the Featherstone Urban District Council for the erection of houses under the provisions of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and in respect of which the Local Government Board sanctioned a loan of £3,505; and what, prior to acquisition, was the total gross and net rental and the total assessment of this land to local rates, or, if this land formed a portion of a larger property, by how much the assessment of that larger property to local rates was reduced by reason of the severance of that portion?

The purchase of the land referred to was not completed by the Featherstone Council, and the sanction to a loan for the purpose was cancelled in August, 1913, when the Board sanctioned a loan of £933 for the purchase of another site of over 11 acres.

asked what was the price paid for the 5 acres and 30 perches of land acquired by the Hendon Urban District Council for a housing scheme under the provisions of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and in respect of which the Local Government Board sanctioned a loan of £2,075; and what, prior to acquisition, was the total gross and net rental and the total assessment of this land to local rates or, if this land formed a portion of a larger property, by how much the assessment of that larger property to local rates was reduced by reason of the severance of that portion?

The sum of £2,075 represents the agreed purchase money for the land referred to. This land forms a portion of a larger property, but, as the actual conveyance has not yet been completed, no change in the assessment has been rendered necessary.

asked what was the price paid for the 6 acres and 33 perches of land acquired by the Chelmsford Borough Council for the erection of houses under the provisions of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and in respect of which the Local Government Board sanctioned a loan of £1,769; what, prior to acquisition, was the total gross and net rental and the total assessment of this land to local rates, or, if this land formed a portion of a larger property, by how much the assessment of that larger property to local rates was reduced by reason of the severance of that portion?

The price paid for the land was £1,706. It formed part of a larger property, and the gross estimated rental and the rateable value of the part acquired by the council have been fixed at £18 and £16 10s. respectively, by which amounts the rental and rateable value of the larger property may be reduced.

asked what was the price paid for the 14 acres of land acquired by the Barnet Urban District Council for a housing scheme under the provisions of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and in respect of which the Local Government Board sanctioned a loan of £2,500; and what, prior to acquisition, was the total gross and net rental and the total asessment of this land to local rates, or, if this land formed a portion of a larger property, by how much the assessment of that larger property to local rates was reduced by reason of the severance of that portion?

The price paid for the land was £2,500. The gross rental was £23 10s., and rateable value £23.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it would serve a useful purpose if he issued a Return of all these cases of which his Department have knowledge?

If the hon. Member will put down a Motion on the Paper I will be glad to consider it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include how much the cost of the land represents in the rents?

I will have to consider if that information is obtainable.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, under the provisions of the Poor Law Officers' Superannuation Act, 1896, an officer dismissed for misconduct may obtain a refund of his payments, but not so in the case of an officer voluntarily resigning; and whether, in that case, he will consider an alteration of the law?

The answer is in the negative. An officer who has become qualified for a superannuation allowance is entitled to receive it if he voluntarily resigns, but not if he is dismissed owing to misconduct, though, in that event, the guardians may, if they see fit, return to him the amount of his contributions. An officer ceasing to hold office before he is qualified for a superannuation allowance is entitled to the return of his contributions, except where his retirement is due either to his own misconduct or voluntary resignation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether letters addressed in Irish have been refused acceptance by Post Office officials in Ireland; if so, under whose instructions they acted; and what arrangements, if any, have been made to meet the requirements of those people who speak no language but Irish?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for West Clare on the same subject on the 24th February.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the importance of the question relating to the closing of certain inland waters and extending the three-mile limit, referred to his Committee, he will state when his Report on that subject will be issued?

The Interdepartmental Committee on Fisheries has not yet completed hearing the evidence it proposes to take as to the advisability or otherwise of extending the three-mile limit, and, in view of the importance of this matter, I am unable at present to inform the hon. Member as to the probable date of the promulgation of the Report.

asked whether the Post Office is still collecting intercommunication fees which were formerly charged for telephonic communication between the Post Office and the National Telephone systems?

Under the agreement of 1905 for the purchase of the National Telephone Company's system, the terminal fees which had been charged previously on trunk calls between the subscribers of the two systems were withdrawn, and since then no such fees have been charged.

asked (1) whether sites have been obtained for stations of the Imperial Wireless Chain in England, Egypt, East Africa Protectorate, Union of South Africa, India, and Singapore; and (2) whether detailed specifications of all machinery and plant required for the Imperial Wireless Chain have been submitted by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company for the approval of the Postmaster-General, as provided in Clause 4 of the Agreement of the 30th July, 1913; and, if so, whether they have been approved of, and on what date?

Work on the English station, which is situated at Leafield, Oxfordshire, has already begun, and in connection with that station detailed specifications of the power plants and masts have been submitted by the Marconi Company. These have been generally approved, subject to certain reservations. The specifications of the wireless plant have not yet been settled. As regards Egypt, a change has been made in the original proposal, under which the station in Egypt will be a three-way station instead of a two-way station. Originally the three-way station was to be in East Africa, but it was found impossible, at any rate without very large expenditure, to obtain a suitable site in that Protectorate for a three-way station, and as the Marconi Company were willing to guarantee the maintenance of continuous and efficient communication between Egypt and India, the Postmaster-General decided to erect the three-way station in Egypt instead of in East Africa. The site for this station has been purchased, and the specifications of the power plant and masts have been generally approved. As a result of the change I have referred to, the third station will be in India instead of in East Africa, and the Indian Government is now arranging for the provision of the site in the neighbourhood of Poona. The specifications for the Indian station cannot be finally settled until the site has been approved. Under the present arrangement the East African station is necessary as a link to South Africa, and until the agreement is ratified by South Africa neither the East African nor the South African station can be proceeded with. The South African Government have informed me that they will be able to bring the matter before Parliament now. Sites, however, for both these stations have been provisionally selected, as is also the case in regard to the Straits Settlements station. As no new charge on public funds will be created by the altered arrangements, the Law Officers advise that Parliamentary sanction is not needed.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can say on what date rights to use Dr. Goldschmidt's wireless apparatus were acquired by Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company; and whether, in view of the unfavourable opinion of Dr. Goldschmidt's system expressed by the Postmaster-General at the end of last Session when refusing to allow its owners to tender for the Imperial Wireless Chain, he can explain why Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company found the Goldschmidt system worth buying?

I understand that the Marconi Company acquired the rights in question in September last. I do not know what motives actuated them in doing so; but I may point out that the Advisory Committee on Wireless Telegraphy, over which Lord Parker presided, reported that the system was a promising one. I cannot find that my predecessor ever expressed any opinion inconsistent with that of the Committee; and I may perhaps remind the hon. Member that, in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Horncastle Division, he stated that he would be very glad to consider the employment of the system for the later stations of the Imperial Chain if proof was forthcoming within the next few months that it was more efficient or more economical than the Marconi system.

Where is the site in Egypt?

About fifteen miles from Cairo.

What is the distance between the station in Egypt and the station in India?

I should like notice of that question. I have given the fullest information to the House which can be usefully given. If there are any supplementary questions outside the statement, which I have made as full as possible, I must ask hon. Members to place their questions on the Paper for Thursday.

In view of the fresh evidence of value provided by the purchase by the Marconi Company, is the right hon. Gentleman reconsidering the matter at the present time, while it is still possible to alter the system?

That is so. My right hon. Friend is now considering the matter.

asked the Prime Minister what obstacle exists to the speedy execution in the alterations in the buildings of the London Institute recommended by Lord Cromer's Committee on the School for Oriental Languages; and whether such need necessarily be delayed till the Privy Council has passed the charter for the school?

It has already been stated that satisfactory progress is being made with the plans for the alterations of the building of the London Institution. These alterations will proceed independently of the consideration of the Privy Council of the charter for the School of Oriental Studies. Substantial provision will be inserted on account of the service in the Estimates for 1914–15, and it is hoped that tenders will be invited for the work at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to hold an inquiry into the working of the Trade Disputes Act?

I am not aware that there is any sufficient reason for such an inquiry.

Has the right hon. Gentleman perused the opinions of Sir Walter Runciman and other prominent citizens?

asked the Prime Minister if he can inform the House what is likely to be the additional demand upon the taxpayer under the contemplated Education Bill?

I must ask the hon. Member to defer his question till the introduction of the Education Bill, when my right hon. Friend will then make a statement as to the estimated cost of the Government's proposals.

Will it not then be too late for public opinion to make itself felt?

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say when the Education Bill is likely to be introduced to the House?

No; I am afraid I cannot say at present.

asked the Prime Minister if he will ascertain whether, since the prorogation of Parliament in August, 1913, a memorial signed, amongst others, by the Dukes of Atholl, Beaufort, Bedford, Buccleuch, Devonshire, Leeds, Manchester, Marlborough, Montrose, Newcastle, Portland, Richmond and Gordon, Roxburghe, Rutland, Somerset, and of Wellington, by the Marquesses of Lansdowne, Londonderry, and of Salisbury, by Earls Curzon of Kedleston, Derby, Roberts, Selborne, and Wharncliffe, by Viscount Midleton, by Lord Ampthill, and by Lord Willoughby de Broke, has been presented to the King, praying His Majesty to exercise his Royal prerogative and forthwith to dissolve this Parliament?

I understand that no such memorial has been received by His Majesty.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any communication direct to each one of "the poor but honest dukes" mentioned in the question?

No, Sir; I have taken the best steps to inform myself.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to agree to an arrangement whereby the financial business required to be transacted during the current financial year may be so expedited as to enable a day or days to be devoted before 12th March to the exposition and discussion of the contemplated amended proposals for the future government of Ireland, on condition that a corresponding amount of time may be specially set aside for the discussion of Estimates in the period of the Session subsequent to March?

I should welcome all means which would expedite the necessary financial business, and I shall be glad if an agreement can be come to with that object. I should consider in that connection the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the concluding part of the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will undertake, if the financial business is facilitated, to bring in at once his proposals with regard to the Home Rule Bill?

Certainly, I do.

Will you undertake it?

I want, first of all, to see some possible basis of arrangement to transact the financial business more rapidly than we at present contemplate, in order that the other object may be achieved.

For the sake of relieving the public mind, would the right hon. Gentleman not be willing to obtain by agreement this year what he took by force majeure last year?

That is exactly what I said.

I will raise this matter on the Adjournment of the House.

I hope the hon. Member will not do that, because we are most anxious to come to an arrangement, and I am not at all without hope that we may be able to expedite the financial business to such an extent as to enable a statement to be made at a very early date with regard to the Government of Ireland Bill.

The right hon. Gentleman can secure that at once if he chooses. If he will undertake that, as soon as the financial business is got through, even temporarily, he will bring on the Irish Bill, we shall at once endeavour to bring that about.

I will give that undertaking with the utmost pleasure.

asked the Prime Minister if anything has occurred since the commencement of the Session to rule out the exclusion of Ulster from the Government's proposals for averting civil commotion in Ireland?

I am not aware of any relevant change in the situation.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that, since the last General Election, on no fewer than six occasions candidates have been returned at by-elections in three-cornered contests in whose favour a majority of the votes were not recorded, the Government will consider what steps may be taken by legislation providing for a second ballot or otherwise for the abolition of this electoral anomaly or injustice?

This matter has not escaped the notice of the Government, but I cannot say more at present

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the cable has been broken between Orkney and Shetland for over three months and no effort made to repair it, he will, considering the inconvenience suffered by the public, endeavour to obtain the services of a suitable ship fitted with wireless apparatus from the Admiralty and, to prevent a further repetition of such delay, if he can negotiate with the Northern Lighthouse Commissioners to utilise the services of the "Pole Star" for repairs in cases of emergency?

Arrangements have been made for the "Telconia" to proceed to the Orkneys direct from the work she is now engaged upon and to pick up the necessary cable from the "Monarch" en route. As my hon. Friend is aware, there is no Post Office Wireless Station which could work to Kirkwall, even if a ship were stationed there. The "Pole Star" is not a cable ship, and it would take ten or twelve days to fit her for cable work.

Has the vessel actually left? She has been going to leave for the last fortnight.

I understand that the ship has actually left for the purpose of picking up the cable at Pembroke Dock, where the "Monarch" is lying for repair.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state what would be the aggregate cost of an advance of 2s. per week to all postal workers in all grades?

There are about 237,000 postal workers in all grades. At 2s. per week rise, the aggregate increased cost would be about £1,230,000 a year, exclusive of the contingent increased cost for pension, extra duty, Sunday pay, etc.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state what the aggregate cost would be of increasing the remuneration of all sub-postmasters by 10 per cent. on their present scale?

The total remuneration of sub-postmasters, including the increase under the recommendations of the recent Parliamentary Committee, is about £1,500,000 a year. A 10 per cent. increase would, therefore, cost about £150,000 a year.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state the average number of persons who during the last three years, have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment on account of being unable to pay certain liabilities incurred by them; and the average length of such sentences?

The average number of civil prisoners for debt during the last three years is twenty-one, and the average duration of confinement is fourteen days. These figures do not include persons committed to prison for wilful failure to pay sums decerned for aliment.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Local Government Board have made any recent examination of the housing conditions of workmen at Rosyth; and, if so, whether he will inform the House of the results of that examination, particularly with regard to overcrowding?

Previous inquiry by the Local Government Board resulted in the provision of the accommodation for 900 workmen referred to in the reply by the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to the Noble Lord on 25th February. Since the erection of these additional houses no complaints have been received by the Board, whose officers are keeping themselves informed as to the circumstances.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the question whether there has been any recent examination of the housing conditions of the workmen of Rosyth; and, if so, will he inform the House of the result of that examination, especially with regard to overcrowding?

My answer is that the Local Government Board have carefully considered the matter, and the result was as stated by the Civil Lord of the Admiralty to the Noble Lord. The officials of the Board are keeping themselves acquainted with the circumstances regularly.

Have they made any examination since 1911?