asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the security for the repayment of the sums of £50,000 and £120,000 lent to the Persian Government in 1911–12 and 1912–13?

The financial advances made by His Majesty's Government to the Persian Government are secured on the Customs and Excise Receipts of Southern Persia; they are repayable out of a loan if such be made, or if none is concluded before 1st January, 1915; the advance will be repaid by half-yearly instalments of £25,000.

May I ask whether British Government control over the Southern Customs is such as to make the security good?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could give any information as to affairs in Kerman and Persian Beloochistan; whether the trade route from Bandar Abbas to Kerman is now safe for caravans or not; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of lending a few British and Mahomedan officers to the Persian Government to form a force of Persian levies to protect the road?

The present situation in the districts mentioned is far from satisfactory, though I have no information of any actual robbery on the Bunder Abbas-Kerman road since May last. A force of gendarmes under three Swedish officers which proceeded to Kerman last autumn has within the last few days inflicted considerable loss on a force of Baluchis near Bam. A new Governor-General, a Bakhtiari Khan, is proceeding to Kerman, and is expected on arrival at his post to take suitable measures for the maintenance of order. In the circumstances, I am not contemplating any such steps as those suggested in the last part of the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, seeing that, this route is entirely within the British sphere of influence, it would not be desirable to take some such steps as the formation of Persian levies under British officers?

For the reason I have given in the answer, we are not contemplating any such steps at present. It seems, of course, a very simple thing to say that a few officers should form Persian levies, but, small as it is, it might turn out to be the commencement of much larger developments, and I would rather put it off as long as possible.

asked what change, if any, in the situation in the Balkans is occasioned by the renunciation of Greek authority by the Epirotes?

I am not clear as to what the hon. Member means by "renunciation of Greek authority by the Epirotes." Northern Epirus is, by international agreement, to form part of the new State of Albania; Greek authority, as far as it exists in that region, is based on military occupation of recent date, and will shortly be terminated by the withdrawal of the Greek forces there.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in consideration of the anxiety that exists in regard to the safety of British subjects in Mexico, he is prepared to lay upon the Table of the House of Commons Papers showing the communications which have passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States in reference to the state of things which prevails in Mexico?

I must refer the hon. Member to paragraphs 4 and 5 of the answer given on 23rd February to the hon. Member for North Down when I stated that I would lay Papers as soon as it was possible to do so, but that the most interesting of the Papers were from the Government of the United States, which I could not lay without their leave.

asked whether General Villa is recognised as a belligerent by the British or by the United States Government, or by both Governments?

The answer is in the negative as far as His Majesty's Government are concerned. His Majesty's Government are unaware that the United States Government have made any declaration on this point.

Is it made clear in the communications with Washington that this country must hold the United States responsible, as this murder arose out of the anarchy following upon non-recognition—

That question does not arise out of the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long elapsed between the date of the murder of the late President of the Mexican Republic and the recognition by the British Government of General Huerta's Government; if, before this step was taken, any assurances were asked for or obtained with regard to the protection of British subjects resident in Mexico; and what period elapsed between the date of the murder of the late King of Servia and the formal recognition by Great Britain of his successor, and the period between the deposition of King Manoel of Portugal and recognition of the Republican Government in that country?

The death of President Madero took place on 22nd February, 1913. His Majesty's Government recognised General Huerta's provisional Government at the end of March last, because they were advised that such recognition would best contribute to the re-establishment of order, which was a matter of the first importance to British subjects and British interests in Mexico. No assurances were obtained from him, and the action taken by His Majesty's Government was in accordance with general practice. The late King of Servia's death took place in 1903; diplomatic relations were renewed in 1906. The deposition of King Manoel took place in October, 1910, and the Republican Government was recognised on 9th November following. These two cases are not analogous to the case of Mexico.

asked whether, having regard to the arrest of the Rev. Mr. Bowskill in Portuguese West Africa, the information in possession of His Majesty's Government is that when the rebels in Portuguese West Africa attacked San Salvador the head Portuguese official fled and hid himself in Mr. Bowskill's bathroom?

It would appear from the letters written by Mr. Bowskill and communicated to the Foreign Office that on the occasion of the attack on San Salvador a Portuguese official did take refuge in Mr. Bowskill's sitting-room.

And is this the official, who so saved his life, the man who has placed Mr. Bowskill under arrest?

I am not sure of that. The information which my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary gave to the House yesterday was that we were expecting information on the 4th March. Inquiries are being made with all speed.

asked how many labourers were recently taken by force from the Portuguese Congo to the plantations of San Thomé?

I am not aware that any labourers have recently been taken by force from Portuguese Congo to San Thomé.

asked whether negotiations are in progress or pending between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the French Republic concerning any interests, political, commercial, economic, or financial, affecting the two countries in any part of the world; and, if that be so, whether it is proposed to embody the results of these negotiations in the form of a treaty, understanding, or agreement, and at what date?

There are always a large number of questions respecting which His Majesty's Government carry on discussions and correspondence with the the French as with other Governments, as, for instance, fishery regulations, boundary questions, arms traffic, and the reciprocal repatriation of pauper lunatics, upon which an agreement is under negotiation. But these are all separate matters of detail and there is no intention of embodying them in a new treaty with France, nor would any of them justify in the ordinary sense of the words a statement that a new treaty with France is under negotiation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend the House to infer that there are no financial or economic arrangements now being discussed between this country and France in regard to the Middle East and the Baghdad Railway?

There are various matters of detail constantly under discussion with the French Government, and not with the French Government alone. There is nothing in the ordinary sense of the word that means a new treaty, or anything affecting the relations of the two Governments in any way.

Is it not a fact that arrangements are being made between this country and France with regard to certain financial and economic matters?

I wish to have notice of that question. It is difficult to answer with regard to particular points when one is asked without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any conversations have taken place with France relating to the position in the New Hebrides since the last Papers referring to that question were laid upon the Table of the House; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of circulating further Papers on the subject?

I have already on several occasions stated that His Majesty's Government are actually in communication with the French Government in order to improve the working of the Condominium. There have been various instances brought to our notice, as is well known, showing certain grievances that exist in the New Hebrides. We have asked the French Government to confer with us so that the joint administration may be improved. If, as I hope, this leads to definite results, I shall be prepared to lay Papers explaining them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether since the appointment of the Condominium Government of the New Hebrides any suggestion has been made by this country to France for the purchase of French rights in these islands or for the surrender of those rights in exchange for compensating advantages in some other part of the world; and, if not, whether he can see his way to advise His Majesty's Government to open negotiations with France for the purpose of making such arrangements as will lead to the cession of all French rights in the New Hebrides to this country, with a view of the administration of the islands being handed over to the Commonwealth of Australia?

No suggestion of the nature proposed has been made to the French Government since the establishment of the Condominium Government in December, 1908. I am not aware that the Commonwealth of Australia is prepared to entertain a suggestion for the acquisition of the French rights in the New Hebrides by purchase or exchange of territory; and His Majesty's Government have no present intention of asking Parliament to vote money for the purchase of French rights in the New Hebrides or to agree to the surrender of British territory elsewhere in exchange, even supposing the French Government were prepared to entertain such a negotiation.

Would the right hon. Gentleman confer with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies asking him if he would send some message to the Commonwealth of Australia to see if they would not, in common with Australia, accept responsibility for the New Hebrides?

I gather the hon. Member's suggestion to be that we should ask the Government of Australia whether it would be prepared to take over the New Hebrides.

Yes.

We could not put that, in my opinion, before the Government of Australia without asking them at the same time whether they would themselves be prepared to undertake the purchase, or to give exchange of territory, and that, of course, opens a very large question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether increased lawlessness and insecurity has lately prevailed upon the North-West Frontier of India; and, if so, whether he can state the reasons therefor and the measures taken to restore a normal condition of order and peace?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full answer which I gave yesterday to the question of the hon. Member for Brentford.

As that is not an oral answer, may I ask the Under-Secretary to state whether the Government of India is satisfied with the existing situation?

The answer which I gave is circulated with the Votes. I think that the hon. Member would probably be able to satisfy himself on the subject by reading the answer that has been given.

asked whether a punitive expedition has lately been sent against the Bunerwals on the North-West Frontier of India; what was the nature of the offence which had to be punished; how many villages were destroyed; how many lives were lost; and were chose who were slaughtered the same men who had committed the offence?

In consequence of two serious raids by the Bunerwals in the Mardan district, in which eight British subjects were murdered, a British force manœuvring in the neighbourhood was dispatched on 21st February against the two villages principally offending. The troops returned on the 23rd February, without casualties, having destroyed the villages, taken ten prisoners, many cattle, and a few rifles. The raiders' losses are stated to have been small.

asked whether conditions in India have greatly changed since the law allowing appeals by the Government against acquittals was passed; and whether there is any evidence that such appeals have been lightly sanctioned or have resulted in miscarriages of justice?

The Secretary of State doubts whether the changed conditions in India referred to by the hon. Member have much bearing on the considerations which led to the law in question. He is not aware that the power of appealing against acquittals has been lightly exercised by local governments, or has resulted in miscarriage of justice; but the whole question is under his careful consideration.

Will the hon. Member bear in mind with reference to this that there were no fewer than twenty-six cases in ten years in which prisoners who were acquitted in the Court below were convicted by the superior Court and sentenced to be hanged, and, having regard to the inconsistency between that system and our system, will he see that amendment is made in that direction?

The whole matter is under consideration, and the fact referred to has no doubt been brought to the attention of the Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will lay information as to the proceedings taken against the owners of presses and newspapers under the Press Act of 1910, showing the security required to be deposited; the security declared to be forfeited; and the number of presses confiscated and newspapers suppressed?

I will lay Papers giving the information that my hon. Friend desires so far as action of a punitive character is concerned, as regards not only owners of presses but also publishers of newspapers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the doubts that exist as to the justice of the sentence in the Sitapur murder case, for which two men were hanged and one is still imprisoned for life after being acquitted by the only Court that had the accused men and the witnesses for the prosecution before it; whether he has considered the following facts: that it was found both by the Court that acquitted the men and by the Court that set aside the acquittal that no motive could be found for the alleged murder; that, according to the theory of the prosecution, the murder was committed in broad daylight, within the area of the village, at a place where five ways meet, and in the immediate vicinity of several houses; that the murdered man was a powerful man, and the medical evidence showed that there were thirty-nine wounds upon the body caused by cutting weapons, but that no evidence was brought by the prosecution to show that there were any signs of a struggle on the ground where the murder was alleged to have been committed or any marks of blood upon the persons or clothing of the accused; that all the witnesses for the prosecution except one had recently been engaged in a civil lawsuit with the accused men in which the accused men had defeated them and were known to be personally hostile to the accused men; that the only Court which saw the witnesses and heard their evidence acquitted the prisoners on the express ground that the evidence of these witnesses was untrustworthy; that the murdered man was last seen alive at the house of the wealthiest and most powerful of the witnesses for the prosecution, a man named Jagdish Singh, who is the principal landowner in the village; that this man's servant, although admittedly present at the alleged scene of the murder before anyone else, was never called as a witness by the prosecution; that it is stated in the prisoners' petition to the Government of India, a petition which unfortunately reached the Government too late, that this servant of Jagdish Singh had been carrying on an intrigue with the wife of the murdered man and now keeps this woman; and that he is a man who has been several times prosecuted for murder; and whether, in view of these facts and other suspicious circumstances affecting this case, he will cause further inquiry to be made into the matter with a view to the release of the man who is still imprisoned?

The Secretary of State cannot accept as accurate my hon. Friend's summary of the evidence, nor does he follow him in the inferences which he seeks to draw from it. The theory of the murder suggested in the question was not put forward until after the conclusion of the trial of the three accused in the Judicial Commissioners' Court, and has not been substantiated.

Is the hon. Member aware that the facts stated in this question are taken straight from the White Paper presented to this House last Session, and is the fact that these men were not adequately defended at their first trial a sufficient reason, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, for refusing to consider their case now?

I cannot agree with the hon. Member that the facts are accurately summarised, but all these points have been taken into consideration by the Secretary of State.

If I put down another question, will my hon. Friend be willing to state in what particulars the summary is inaccurate?

That had better be put down.

Is there not some reason to believe that the judge who acquitted Bachan Singh took this view of the evidence, and changed his opinion?

The judge who acquitted the man referred to did not change his opinion as to the correctness of the conviction in the first case. There was a difference in the evidence.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India if he will give further information as to the circumstances attending the acquittal, on the 13th May, of Bachan Singh, one of the four men charged with taking part in the Sitapur murder; whether the Judicial Commissioner on this occasion had before him any of the same witnesses as those who were brought against the other three; whether the acquittal of this prisoner was based upon the same grounds as those upon which the other three were originally acquitted by the Sessions Judge, namely, that these witnesses were not trustworthy witnesses, or if not, what was the reason for the acquittal; and whether the Secretary of State will lay upon the Table a copy of the judgment of the Judicial Commissioner, and of the evidence and proceedings in this case?

I will place in the Library a copy of the Record of both trials of Bachan Singh, which includes a plan of the scene of the murder. My hon. Friend will then be able to see the reasons which led to the acquittal of Bachan Singh on appeal, but it is not easy to summarise an elaborate judgment.

Will the hon. Member state how it was that the trial of Bachan Singh was kept from this House altogether when we were discussing the case of the other three men?

I think that the information about Bachan Singh was not in the possession of the Secretary of State at the time of the discussion.

Is it a fact that the acquittal of Bachan Singh was after he himself had been before the Court of Appeal by which these other men were convicted?

I think that that is not correct.

Will the hon. Member find out why the Record of the trial of Bachan Singh was deliberately kept from the knowledge of the Secretary of State?

asked what is the estimated total cost of the move of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi; and whether it is still maintained that the cost will not largely exceed £4,000,000?

There probably will be some excess over the original estimate of £4,000,000;, but how much it cannot at present be said. The engineers' and architects' proposals are being subjected to a close scrutiny and revision by the Government of India with a view to effecting all possible economies consistent with the requirements of a new Imperial city.

Will not the excess exceed the whole original estimate in all probability?

The Government of India has not given any figure at all at the present time. I am quite unable to add anything to what I have already stated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish the Report of the Committee appointed by him to inquire into the position of the non-commissioned officers and men married off the strength; and whether he proposes to do anything to remove their just grievances?

I am sending the hon. Gentleman an advance copy of the Report.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to publish the interim Report of the Departmental Committee on the Special Reserve; and whether his Report will be circulated to Members with the Army Estimates?

I have given instructions for this Report to be presented to Parliament this week.

asked what is the establishment and the strength of the Special Reserve, differentiating the Infantry and other branches, and also giving separately the establishment and strength of officers and men; and what were the corresponding figures twelve months ago?

If the hon. Gentleman will permit me, I will circulate these figures, which are somewhat lengthy, with the Votes.—[ See Written Answers this date. ]

Is the shortage greater or less than last year?

I cannot deal with it piecemeal. It is a very long document.

asked what is the total strength of the National Reserve in the United Kingdom; how many are registered under Class I. and Class II., respectively; what axe the medical requirements in each class; and whether all the men in both classes have been medically examined?

The total strength, on 1st January, 1914, was 217,680, of which number 13,765 were registered in Class I. and 45,722 in Class II. The former only are required to undergo a medical examination similar to that undergone by soldiers of the Regular Army; for the latter fitness for home defence service is the requirement.

How many drafts have been medically examined?

The examination is still proceeding, and the number is still increasing.

asked whether every National Reservist registered under Classes I. and II. has signed a definite engagement to present himself for service when required in time of national danger?

Every National Reservist in Classes I. and II. has signed the following declaration:—"I (description of man follows) undertake, in the event of imminent national danger, to place my services at the disposal of His Majesty the King for General Service (Class I.); for Home Defence (Class II.)."

asked the number of officers, non-commissioned officers and men required to complete the establishment of the Home Army at the present time; is it the intention of the authorities to add one or more Cavalry regiments to the strength of the British Army; and is it intended that the Royal Scots Greys shall go to India or South Africa for a turn of service when it comes to their turn on the roster?

The number required to complete on 1st February was 13,680. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The moves to take place during the year 1914–15 were published in Army Order 31 of this year. I can add nothing at present to what is there stated.

asked the Secretary for War whether he can state the percentage of sickness among the British mounted troops at Rawal Pindi in the summer months; whether a large number of men are in hospital owing to malaria; and whether mounted troops are taken to the hill stations during the summer months?

The percentage of sickness among British mounted troops at Rawal Pindi for the seven summer months of 1913 was eight per cent. The returns available in this country do not show the causes of sickness. Men requiring change to the hills are sent there under medical advice, but mounted troops do not go to the hills as specific mounted units.

May I ask whether the care of the horses is considered in preference to the men?

The ground is not suitable for the use of mounted troops.

I am asking about the men, and not as to the use of the ground.

I think the hon. Member had better put down another question.

asked the Secretary for War whether he has formed an estimate of the number of bayonets required to be provided for the service of the Army during the coming financial year; and what proportion will be ordered from private firms?

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to refer him to the answer given to the right hon. Member for the Hallam Division and the hon. Member for the Ecclesall Division last Friday.

asked the Secretary for War whether he or the Army Council, or any responsible Departmental officer of the War Office, has stated that the projected railway which is the subject of the Northern Junction Railway Bill now awaiting Second Reading, or the similar Bill rejected last year by the Select Committee, was a necessity to the War Office and to the military authorities who would warmly support it on national grounds only; and whether any assurance in such terms or to such effect has been given by the War Office or any person speaking officially on its behalf to the hon. Member for Harrow?

The view of the War Office is that all extensions of railways giving further facilities for the movement of troops in time of war are desirable, and that this is particularly the case with regard to railway extensions effecting better communication between the North and the South of London.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared, speaking on behalf of the War Office, to make a statement to that effect, and amplify his statement when the Bill comes on, in view of the fact that Members of the House might be greatly influenced by the national importance of the scheme, apart from local interests?

No, Sir. It would be most unusual for the Secretary of State for War to make any such statement. This is our considered policy, which we have followed in all other cases, and no further information is necessary from me.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really say, in view of the great importance of this railway from the national point of view, that he will not endeavour to give his opinion to the House in regard to it?

I shall certainly go no further than I have gone in this reply to the question, and the evidence given by the Quartermaster-General before the Committee I think is all that is necessary.

Could not the same statement be made on behalf of any railway ever built in any country?

I can hardly add anything to the answer. All railways are good, and those north and south of London have peculiar advantages from the military point of view.

asked the Secretary for War whether he will state the conditions under which the leasehold land, until recently held by the War Office, on the Roscommon side of the Shannon Bridge has been surrendered to the landlord; whether any consideration was given on either side; and whether he will state the price paid by the same landlord for the fee-simple land and the buildings thereon also held by the War Office in the same locality?

No consideration was given in connection with the surrender of leasehold property. There were no special conditions, but with a view to avoiding the legal and practical difficulties which would have arisen had the freehold property been sold to anyone but the proprietor of the leasehold property the surrender and the sale were dealt with as one transaction. It is not the practice to disclose the price paid in these cases.

Was there any consideration for the freehold property?

The whole thing was one transaction.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that the hiring charge for the use of the Army film for recruiting purposes is £10 per week; and whether, in view of the fact that in small country towns this charge cannot be borne entirely by the place of entertainment where the film is exhibited, and consequently falls largely upon the officers of local units, he will recommend a graduated scale of charges based upon the seating capacity of the hall or theatre available for the exhibition of the film?

This film is a private commercial enterprise, and I have no power to control the charges made for its exhibition.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any information is available as to the number of commissioned officers in the Army who would refuse to fight against the Protestant population of Ulster in the event of Imperial troops being employed by the Government to support the domination of an Irish Parliament; and what arrangements have been made to replace such officers?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I made to a question put to me by the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division of Shropshire on the 17th ultimo.

Has not information been received from some officers that they would not be inclined to be a party to shooting down men whose only crime was their loyalty?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered if the prospects of the settlement of the Irish difficulty by consent would be materially increased if the Irish House of Commons were elected on methods of proportional representation, thus automatically securing to the Protestant minority throughout Ireland the full quota of members to which they may be entitled; and, if so, whether the Government will consider the substitution for the Senate of forty nominated Commoners sitting in the Irish House of Commons and entitled to intervene in all matters of administration, taxation, and legislation, a moiety retiring finally in five years and the remainder in ten years?

The question of proportional representation has already been discussed in and decided by the House, and I am not prepared to reopen it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the preference expressed by the responsible leaders of the Opposition in both Houses for federal rather than merely dual Home Rule, he can see his way to submit to the House at an early date and promptly proceed with the Scottish Home Rule Bill, promised by the Secretary for Scotland; and whether, in such suggestions as he proposes to submit for the amendment of the Government of Ireland Bill, he will have regard to the desirability of some reasonable approach to uniformity in the powers to be delegated to the four national Legislatures which the Government contemplate?

As has already been stated, the Government do not see their way to introduce legislation of the kind referred to during the present Session. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the speech which I made on 10th May, 1912, in which I expressed my views on this subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government of England Bill will be introduced?

I cannot say at present.

Does the Prime Minister mean that the Government do not intend to introduce the Scottish Home Rule Bill this Session or this Parliament?

I said this Session.

Does that apply to this Parliament?

Oh, well, we will consider that afterwards.

I desire to ask the Prime Minister if he can now inform us when he intends to make his proposals in regard to the Home Rule Bill?

I understand that satisfactory arrangements have now been agreed to which will ensure the completion of the necessary financial business by the end of the financial year. I will, therefore, make my promised statement in reference to the Government of Ireland Bill on the Motion for the Second Reading on Monday next. I understand it is the desire of the Opposition that the further consideration of the matter should be adjourned that night.

I think the course suggested is a proper one in the circumstances, and, in view of the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, I hope my hon. Friend will not think it necessary to move his Resolution to-night.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what is the amount realised by the Exchequer by the extra duties imposed by Section 73 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, on conveyances and transfers on sale in each of the financial years ended the 31st March, 1911, 1912, and 1913?

The approximate amounts for the years in question are £430,000, £612,000, and £624,000, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what is the amount realised by the Exchequer by the extra duties imposed by Section 75 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, on leases and tacks in each of the financial years ended the 31st March, 1911, 1912, and 1913?

The approximate amounts for the years in question are £106,000, £109,000, and £118,000, respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that Scotland contributes to Excise 22s. 10d. per head, and England and Wales only 16s. 9d. per head, he will consider the propriety, in his coming Budget, of so increasing the taxation upon intoxicants consumed in England and Wales as to secure therefrom a full proportionate equivalent to the £1,400,000 per annum overpaid by Scotland; and whether such additional taxation would enable him to abolish the duties on sugar and tea?

I am afraid I cannot adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints of the outdoor staff of the Excise branch of the Customs and Excise Department at the manner in which the amalgamation of the services is being carried out; whether he has received statements on behalf of the men concerned to the effect that they regard the expectations on the faith of which they entered the service as being falsified by the present arrangements; and whether, in view of the pledge given when the assent of Parliament was obtained to the amalgamation, that no officer should suffer in position or prospects, he will institute an impartial inquiry into these grievances?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for Nottingham on the 16th ultimo.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will be prepared to give a Grant to those persons compul- sorily insured under the National Insurance Act whose benefits are reduced through no fault of their own owing to their societies showing a deficiency at the first triennial valuation?

I am afraid that I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 18th ultimo, and to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Wednesday last.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the position of a woman outworker under the National Insurance Acts, employed on the unit system, if through insufficiency of work she is unable to keep her card fully stamped by her employer where the unit fixed is 13s. and the contributions of employer and outworker are 3d. each; and need the outworker only pay 3d. towards the arrears?

The benefit of Section 7 of the Act of 1913 will extend to outworkers whose contributions are paid on the unit system. In the case which my hon. Friend cites, the proportion of the weekly contribution payable by the outworker in these circumstances would be 3d.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the case of William Milne, of Potter How, Edinburgh, a consumptive deposit contributor, who was entitled to sanatorium benefit, as was admitted by the clerk to the Edinburgh Insurance Committee, but was on 25th February, 1913, refused institutional treatment by that committee on the ground that he had twice been in sanatoria and was not urgently ill, who finally had to seek admission as a consumptive to the Craiglockart poorhouse hospital, and who, whilst receiving inferior nourishment there, again made application to the Edinburgh Insurance Committee for institutional treatment under the National Insurance Act, but was again refused, the sanatorium benefit sub-committee deciding that he should continue in the poor-house hospital; and if he will say if William Milne died a pauper in December last, though at the time entitled to proper sanatorium treatment under the National Insurance Act?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the Scottish Insurance Commissioners are making full inquiry into the facts relating to this case, and I will communicate the result of this inquiry to the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state how many individuals paid Income Tax for the year 1912–13; how many of such persons are males and females, respectively; and how many of the male persons were assessed on an income exceeding £400 per annum?

Owing to the system of assessment and collection at the source no definite statistics are available as to the total number of, individual taxpayers or how this total is divided between the sexes. It is estimated, however, that about 1,150,000 persons paid Income Tax in 1912–13.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what is the total sum received from fines imposed in police courts in England and Wales by magistrates in the last three years for which the figures are available; what proportion of these amounts have been, or are in course of being, paid by instalments; what proportion of these amounts were not paid in consequence of the defendant having accepted the alternative of imprisonment; whether there have been any cases in which a fine has been imposed without any alternative; and whether the fines have been paid in every case; and, if not, what are the total amounts for the three years of such fines not recovered?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked me to reply to this question. I am not in possession of these particulars, and they could not be obtained except by examination of the records of the different Courts of Summary Jurisdiction, involving an amount of labour which I could not ask the Clerks of the Courts to undertake. It would probably cost them many thousands of pounds to prepare the information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the Report of the Land Inquiry Committee so far as it relates to towns may be expected at an early date; and (2) whether the Report of the Land Inquiry Committee so far as it relates to Scotland may be expected at an early date?

I understand that the English Report referred to will be published at the end of this month, and the Scottish Report in the course of the next few weeks.

Will the English Report be published before the Report of the Departmental Committee on this question?

I really do not know when the Departmental Committee's Report will be published. I know it is being prepared.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in certain cases the valuers employed by the Government for the valuation of land have valued it at less than the amounts which it has recently realised when sold by public auction; that in certain of such instances the officials have themselves paid the expenses incurred by the owner; and whether such instructions have been or will be given as will prevent such action in future?

The Valuation Office are unable to identify any case of an official having acted in the manner referred to in the question.

May I ask—if the officials themselves have not paid—has the State paid some of these expenses where the valuation has been wrong?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he intends this Session to give legislative effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee with reference to fiars prices?

I hope to introduce a Bill upon this subject if I can arrange an agreed Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to introduce a Hill this Session in order to permit of discussion?

I hope it will not be very late.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the box used in the purchase of herrings in Loch Fyne is the legal quarter-cran box, in accordance with the Sea Fisheries Act, 1889; and, if not, will he say why the Fishery Board for Scotland does not enforce the law?

The box generally used for the purchase of herrings in Loch Fyne is the "Glasgow" box, which contains more than a quarter-cran box. The "Glasgow" box was introduced by the fishermen themselves and has been in general use for a considerable number of years, and its capacity is well known to all interested. No complaints have been received by the Board in recent years regarding the use of the box. I may add that the question was exhaustively considered by a Committee of the Board in 1902, and their Report (1902, Cd. 1674) states the position fully, and includes an explanation as to why the strict enforcement of the law was considered inexpedient.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state when the Annual Reports of the Scottish Land Court and Board of Agriculture will be presented to Parliament?

I am unable to name a specific date, but both these Reports are now in course of preparation, and I hope that they will be issued next month.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the Land Court Report is of special importance, and that we ought to have it before the morning of the day on which it comes up for discussion?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can say upon what grounds the Board of Agriculture sanction walls half a brick or 4½ inches thick as suitable for the dwelling-house upon a small holding in Scotland; and whether the Board guarantees the safety and health of the inhabitants in such cases?

I am not aware of any case to which the Noble Lord's description would accurately apply.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that I am inaccurate in the particulars I have given, and may I ask him if the specifications were not published by the Board of Agriculture?

The inaccuracy was much more extensive.

asked what is the number of small holdings that have been left vacant or derelict by promoting the occupants to new small holdings; and what is the number of persons, including families, who have been removed or lost their situations in order to make room for new-comers?

I am not aware of any such cases of derelict small holdings; nor have I information enabling me to reply to the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, has been in operation for two years, and that during that time the claims of only 160 applicants for holdings and of 99 applicants for enlargements have been satisfied, he can say when the Board of Agriculture for Scotland expects to satisfy the claims of the remainder of the 8,000 applicants not yet dealt with?

I can only say that I hope progress in the future will be more rapid.

If the figure 166 is correct, how was the hon. Member for East Perth (Mr. W. Young) able to have information which the right hon. Gentleman could not give me yesterday; and may I ask if the second figure 99 is not 35 per cent. wrong on the right hon. Gentleman's own showing?

I must ask notice of that question.

asked the exact amount of the funds at the disposal of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland between the date when the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, came into operation and 31st December, 1913; and the total sum spent by the Board in its various operations during that period?

The total of the sums paid into the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund between 1st April, 1912, and 31st December, 1913, was £516,835, and the total expenditure from the fund for the same period was £112,533, but, of course, there is in addition a considerable sum earmarked for the settlements which have been established or sanctioned.

asked how much has actually been spent by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, irrespective of questions of compensation, etc., yet to be settled, since the date when the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, came into force till 31st December, 1913, or to date, on creation of new holdings, enlargement of existing holdings, and development of afforestation, respectively?

It is impossible to give an answer which will not be misleading if the question of compensation is excluded. The principal expenditure connected with afforestation has been in relation to the work of the Advisory Committee and their technical advisers in ascertaining what would be a suitable demonstration area.

asked whether or not shortage of funds is one of the main causes of the delay in establishing small holdings in Scotland under the existing Act?

Shortage of funds is not at present causing delay in the establishment of small holdings.

asked whether applications have been received by the Board of Agriculture for small holdings in a deer forest in the Kintail district of Ross-shire; whether a sub-commissioner has visited the district and prepared a scheme; and whether that scheme has been considered; and, if so, with what result?

The reply to the first and second parts of this question is in the affirmative. Negotiations are in progress with the estate.

When are these negotiations likely to be finished?

This is a question which does not concern the Board of Agriculture alone.

asked whether applications have been received by the Board of Agriculture for small holdings upon Invercharron Mains, Ross-shire; whether these applications have been considered; whether a sub-commissioner has examined the farm and prepared a scheme; whether the applications are likely to be granted; and, if not, what are the reasons for not granting the applications of men who are in every way suitable?

The reply to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative, to the fourth in the negative so far as this farm is concerned, but the applicants will be considered in connection with other schemes. It is uncertain whether Invercharron Mains is available in terms of the Act, but apart from this, it is not a suitable subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now say whether, before the Naval or Military Estimates for the next financial year are considered by the House, he will give time for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for the Falkirk Burghs?

I fear that, owing to the rearrangement of financial business, it will be impossible to give a day for the discussion of this Motion before the Estimates.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the conditions recently laid down by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury with reference to the Grants of £9,000 to the Agricultural Organisation Society in aid of its work during the financial year 1913–14; and whether, having regard to the undertaking given on behalf of the Government by the then Solicitor-General on 9th October, 1909 in the House of Commons, that Grants to promote the organisation of co-operation should not be applied to form a co-operative society for buying or selling, but only to encourage combination among farmers for purposes of securing better transit and marketing facilities for their produce, he will direct the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury to revise the conditions attaching to the Grants in accordance with this undertaking and lay them upon the Table of the House at an early date, or, in the alternative, will discontinue the Grants at the expiration of the present financial year?

The matter shall receive further consideration. Perhaps the hon. Member will renew his question next week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this society confines its activities entirely to propagandist work?

No, Sir, I am not aware.

asked the Prime Minister if he realises that, whereas during the previous ten years the arable area of the United Kingdom shrank by a yearly average of 100,000 acres, the shrinkage last year was no less than 277,000 acres, and that the small area under wheat cultivation is rapidly decreasing; whether the Committee of National Defence have considered, in the light of these facts, the increasing gravity of the problem of food supply in time of war; and when it is proposed to take practical steps to solve the problem?

The Committee of Imperial Defence has, for the last four years, been examining various aspects of the complicated question of supplies in war. On the recommendation of the Committee, various arrangements have been made by the Government in regard to this question, and others are still under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bill has been introduced called the Compulsory Land Cultivation Bill?

I have not noticed it.

asked whether the Cathcart School Board, in applying for a loan to build the Cathcart school, informed the Scottish Education Department of the stipulations they had made with Sir John Stirling Maxwell that, in return for the payment of £3,270 17s., they were to secure not only the site of the school but the reservation as an open space of about one and a quarter acres and an expenditure by the vendor of a large sum in the construction of roads and fences, plantation, and the maintenance of the river bank; and if the Scottish Education Department made any comment on the terms obtained by the school board?

The reply to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Are we to understand that the Education Department made no objection to the price which the school board was paying, although they thought they were getting much less for their money than they actually did?

I do not think the hon. Member is justified in saying that they thought they were getting less for their money than they actually did. It is no business of ours to go into the details of arbitration agreements. We have simply to sanction the loan. These particulars were not put before us.

Is it the practice of the Education Department to sanction loans when they think the price is excessive?

No, I do not think that is so.

Then we may take it they did not think the price was excessive?

asked the Secretary for Scotland the names of the six landowners with whom negotiations were conducted in the six schemes for land settlement in Scotland which the Board of Agriculture for Scotland has abandoned as impracticable, the county or counties in which the lands are situated, and the acreage in each case; and the reason in each case why the Board of Agriculture found it necessary to abandon the scheme?

No, Sir. I do not think that it is desirable to give names and particulars of such cases, the more so as it would probably prejudice the Board in future operations.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman state some of the reasons why these schemes were abandond?

I do not think there would be any advantage in doing so.