asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Chinese Government has granted concessions for oil to the Standard Oil Company, and, if so, what is their nature and extent; do they affect the province of Szechuan; whether His Majesty's Government will impress upon the Chinese Government that Article 9 of the 1902 Mackay Treaty should be carried into practicable and workable effect at once; whether, recently, agreements giving concessions to Belgian, French, Japanese, American, and Russian syndicates have been entered into or granted for working oil, iron, and coal fields in China; whether concessions of a similar nature have been granted to other nationalities; whether the British Minister completed on the 24th February important conversations with the Chinese Government to the effect that China reaffirms the predominance of England in the Yangtze Valley; and, if so, will His Majesty's Government give its support and assistance for the working of the mines and industries covered by the charter granted as to the province of Szechuan, the most important province in the Yangtze Valley, in preference to securing compensation from the Chinese Government in respect of the attempted cancellation of that charter?

According to the information of His Majesty's Government the answer to the first question is in the affirmative, the concession embracing the province of Shensi and the districts of Chienchang in Chihli. So far as His Majesty's Government are aware the concession does not affect the province of Szechuan. With regard to the third question, His Majesty's Legation during the last eleven years have taken every opportunity, and will continue to do so, of impressing upon the Chinese authorities the necessity, in the interests of China herself, of developing the mineral resources of the country in accordance with the provisions of the Mackay Treaty. With regard to the fourth and fifth questions, His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of concessions having been granted except to the Standard Oil Company as already mentioned. With regard to the sixth part of the question His Majesty's Government, having had tinder their consideration the question of railway and industrial development in the Yangtsze Valley, and the claims to which our predominant commercial and economic interests in that region entitle us, a communication to this effect has been made to the Chinese Government. As regards the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government are awaiting a communication from the Chinese Government as to whether they will make a fresh offer of compensation for the cancellation of the Szechuan concession. If an arrangement can be made with the Chinese Government for a modification of the original contract or its exchange for another contract His Majesty's Government would see no objection to such an arrangement being made instead of the claim of compensation being pressed.

asked whether the date has yet been fixed for the coronation of the Shah of Persia; and if the Persian Parliament will have assembled and its members have taken the oath of allegiance prior to that event?

I have been officially informed that the date of the Shah's coronation will be 21st July next. I cannot say whether the Persian Parliament will assemble before that day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether civil administration has been withdrawn from the San Salvador and San Antonia districts of Portuguese West Africa; and whether he can state the number of British subjects resident in these areas?

According to a dispatch, received from the British Consul at Loanda on February 13th, the Governor-General of Portuguese West Africa has set up a military instead of a civil organisation in the districts named. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked whether any treaty exists by which Great Britain is entitled to proclaim consular jurisdiction over British subjects resident in that part of the conventional basin of the Congo in which civil administration has been replaced by martial law by the Portuguese Government?

:No treaty exists between Great Britain and Portugal which confers a right on the former to exercise extra-territorial jurisdiction over British subjects in any part of the Portuguese dominions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information with reference to the arrest of the Rev. Mr. Bowskill?

In a telegram dated from Boma, 6th March, the Acting British Consul reports that Mr. Bowskill, who was at San Salvador, to which place the Acting Consul could not proceed owing to the rebellion, would be released on the arrival of the Governor, who was on his way to that place with soldiers. Mr. Bell adds that the mission was not considered to be in danger.

Is telegraphic communication now in existence between San Salvador and this country?

No.

Is there any truth in the statement that Mr. Bowskill has been released?

Not to our knowledge.

asked when His Majesty's Government proposed a Conference to the French Government upon the New Hebrides dilemma; and whether the French Government has yet replied?

The first suggestions for a Conference were made last summer. Since then the French Government has asked us to state in greater detail the matters which it was desired to discuss. This was done in November, after consultation with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and we are hoping that the French Government may be able to agree that a Conference should meet at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will suggest to the French Government the appointment of a Joint Commission to report upon the working of the Condominium in the New Hebrides?

It has already been stated in this House on several occasions that His Majesty's Government are at present in communication with the French Government with a view to improve the working of the Condominium, and the facts are sufficiently well known to make it unnecessary to delay the Conference which His Majesty's Government hope may take place by obtaining further information in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked whether Generals Carranza and Villa, leaders of the Constitutionalist party in Mexico, have been and are, with the approval of the States Department of the United States of America Government, large purchasers of rifles and cannon from that country for the prosecution of their campaign against the Federal Government; and whether the States Department have expressed an opinion that the participation of any non-American Power in the grant or guarantee of a loan to the Federal Government would be contrary to the spirit of the Monroe doctrine?

The Government of the United States have withdrawn the prohibition upon the export of arms to Mexico. I am not aware that they have otherwise expressed approval of purchases of arms, nor do I know what purchases have been made. So far as I am aware the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the dissatisfaction that has found expression in every civilised country at the state of anarchy that is prevalent in the Mexican Republic has been brought to his notice; and, if so, whether he will bring his influence to bear on the States Department of the United States of America Government with a view to securing their recognition of the Federal Government at Mexico and of, under adequate guarantees, allowing President Huerta a free hand towards restoring order in the Republic?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but the Government of the United States have already declared their determination not to recognise the Presidency of General Huerta and made it evident that they do not regard this as the only alternative to the existing state of things. It would serve no useful purpose to make representations to them on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House relative to the provisional Government that has been established in Northern Epirus with a view to preventing its forcible absorption in the principality of Albania?

The International Commission of Control received on 28th February a telegram from a Monsieur Zographos announcing his having been appointed, by a public meeting at Argyrocastro, President of the Provisional Government of autonomous Epirus. I have no other information concerning this alleged provisional Government.

Is it a fact that the only important port in Northern Epirus is blockaded?

I should like notice of that question. I believe that it is a fact.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the approaching celebration of the centenary of the Treaty of Ghent and the completion of 100 years of peace among English-speaking peoples, and in view of the offer of the American people, through the American national committee for the celebration, to present a replica, of the St. Gauden's statue of Abraham Lincoln to the British people, His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of granting a site in the south-east corner of the Canning enclosure?

The First Commissioner will be glad to consider the suggestion if it is generally favoured.

May I ask if the First Commissioner will consider alternative sites for the statue which will not diminish the present area of grass space?

Oh, yes, Sir; certainly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the publicity given to His Majesty's Government to the nationality of Army recruits will be extended to naval recruits; whether the numbers of naval recruits for the Royal Navy according to the latest returns were 15,890 from England and Channel Islands, 603 from Scotland, 556 from Ireland, 243 from Wales, 3 from the Colonies, and 673 unclassified, making a total of 17,968; and which of the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh counties failed to contribute a single recruit for the Navy?

Returns have not hitherto been rendered of the nationality of officers and men throughout the whole Navy, as in the case of the Army. I have not heard any reasons to require an innovation. The figures given in the second part of the question are correct.

asked whether the battleships of the "Royal Sovereign" class are designed for the use of coal fuel; whether the question of using oil fuel was considered, and, if so, when the decision in favour of coal fuel was come to?

These vessels use coal with oil as an auxiliary. Their design was settled by the Board of Admiralty in the regular course last year. Some reference to this subject was made in my statement to the House on the 17th July, 1913.

asked (1) what was the average price paid for coal per ton during the last two years for the Navy; and (2) whether the price in store in England of oil fuel for the Navy is above or below £4 per ton at the present rate?

I would refer the hon. Member to my general remarks on the subject of oil and coal prices in my speech in the House on the 3rd of this month.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give the House something less general than he gave us the other day?

No, Sir.

Are there any large firms in this country paying considerably less for oil than the Admiralty is paying?

:I am afraid I am not familiar with the details of these other firms.

asked whether the different accelerations promised with regard to heavy ship building will have the effect of adding to the strength of the Fleet three heavy battleships in lieu of the three that were expected from the Dominion of Canada by 1916?

I propose to deal fully with this question when I introduce the Navy Estimates for 1914–15.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when that day will be?

Questions on business should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the notices of training in 1914 (Royal Fleet Reserve, Classes A and B), calling out the Naval Reserves in these classes, excepting those who have already drilled before the 8th March, for eleven days' training in July, were not sent out before 27th February; why the Naval Reserves who presented themselves for training on Monday, 2nd March (the first and last possible day to enable them to complete their training by 8th March), were refused, and told they would have to put in their Fleet service in July for eleven days; whether he is aware that hitherto there has been no difficulty in arranging this training to suit the convenience of the men at, say, a week's notice; whether he will consider the position in which these men are placed, having regard to the fact that, being compelled to present themselves for training for eleven days in July, they run the risk of losing their employment; and what is the special reason for this July training that will exempt the men from training in 1915?

The notices were sent out on the 27th February, the intention being that men who had arranged to drill during the week ending the 7th March should do so, but that men should not drill after that date, the training in July being in lieu. I have no information as to men who presented themselves on the 2nd March being refused. The position of men with regard to their civil employment has been considered, and those who for good reasons are unable to attend in July should apply to their registrars for exemption. Men so exempted will drill under the ordinary regulations. I wish to add that the Admiralty attach great importance to as many Reservists as possible training for eleven days in July, and they hope that employers will be able to make the necessary arrangements. Men who train in July are exempted from training in 1915 in consideration of the July training being longer than the usual seven days, and also in order that employers may be relieved from again sparing the services of their employés next year. In a matter of this consequence, which is essential to an effective test of the mobilisation arrangements of the fleet, the Admiralty feel that they can count with confidence upon the patriotic co-operation, of all classes.

asked whether Messrs. Stewarts and Lloyds, Coombs Wood Works, Halesowen, are on the list of contractors for metal tubing?

Messrs. Stewart and Lloyds, Limited, are on the Admiralty list for steel tubes, etc.

asked whether Messrs. Wheways, Green Lane, Walsall, and Messrs. Nosills, Green Lane, Walsall, are on the list of contractors for chain and cart gear goods?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that on the 27th and 28th October, 1904, an examination was held for first-class writers, now third grade clerks, in the Expense Accounts Department of His Majesty's dockyards; that since that date several promotions have been made, among them one of the men who failed to qualify at the examination in 1904 and one who never sat at any examination although eligible for years; and whether he will consider the possibility of promoting the men who are duly qualified but have received no promotion for over nine years?

The facts are as stated in the question. The reason is that a system of promotion by selection was definitely substituted for that of promotion by examination in 1907. As the system of promotion by examination has now been reintroduced, I can give no undertaking that candidates who qualified but were unsuccessful at the 1904 competitive examination will be specially promoted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to furnish the following cabins, namely, the admiral's, chief-of-staff, wardroom, and gun-rooms, as far as wardrobes and sideboards are concerned, on His Majesty's ship "Warspite," by putting the work out to contractors, or whether it is the intention of the Government to have the work in question done, as heretofore, by joiners in His Majesty's dockyard; whether a Committee of any kind has been inquiring into high-class, joinery work done in His Majesty's dockyards; and, if so, what is the purport of that inquiry, and will he give the result of the investigations?

The question of improving the furniture of the officers' quarters in His Majesty's ships is at present being considered by a Departmental Committee; and in accordance with a proposal made by that Committee, certain firms have been requested to forward estimates and designs for fitting up the admiral's day cabin, dining cabin, and Bleeping cabin on His Majesty's Ship "Warspite." Similar estimates and designs have been called for from the Admiral Superintendent, Devonport, for purposes of comparison. The investigations of the Committee are not yet completed, and the whole matter is still under consideration.

Am I to understand that the Royal Dockyards are to have no opportunity of doing this work?

What I said was: "Similar estimates and designs have been called for from the Admiral Superintendent, Devonport."

Are the Government not satisfied with the work done by the joiners in the dockyards?

I do not think that deduction can be drawn from the reply I have given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state why in the Dickinson Return the "Dread-nought" has been placed below the "Lord Nelson" and the "Agamemnon," seeing that it carries ten 12-inch guns, giving a weight of broadside fire of 6,800 lbs., as against the four 12-inch and ten 9.2-inch guns carried respectively by the "Lord Nelson" and "Agamemnon," giving a weight of broadside fire of 5,200 lbs.; whether the Admiralty rank the "Lord Nelson" and the "Agamemnon" as equal in fighting value to the "Dreadnought"; and, if so, whether the three Austrian "Radetzkys" should not also be so ranked?

The order in which the ships are placed in the Dickinson Return for 1914 is in agreement with previous years. The ships are placed in the order in which they are completed; the "Dreadnought" was completed in 1906, and the "Agamemnon" and "Lord Nelson" in 1908.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question?

The "Lord Nelson's" are classed as "Lord Nelson's," and they were finished later than the first "Dreadnought." Their broadside at 10,000 yards is superior to the first four German "Dreadnoughts."

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he charges any Members of this House with misrepresentation and gross attacks upon the Naval members of the Board of Admiralty, arising out of Prince Louis of Battenberg's speech at the Union Jack Club; and, if so, will he give their names?

It does not seem necessary for me to add anything to the statement which I made to the House on Wednesday last on the subject of the First Sea Lord's speech.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper?

I said it is not necessary for me to add anything to the answer I gave on the subject of the First Sea Lord's speech last Monday.

Does the right hon. Gentleman withdraw the words "gross misrepresentation and attacks"?

No, Sir; far from withdrawing them, I should wish to emphasise them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give any names at all?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of men now employed in the construction of His Majesty's dockyard at Rosyth?

The number of men employed is now 3,633.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will make special inquiry into the housing conditions of the men employed at His Majesty's dockyard now in process of construction at Rosyth; and (2) whether he will make special inquiry into the housing conditions of the men employed on the the works connected with His Majesty's dockyard at Rosyth?

My right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary and Sir Francis Hopwood are at Rosyth to-day inquiring into the housing question with representatives of the contractors and the Local Government Board for Scotland.

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many men will be employed at the explosives factory, Crombie, when completed; and what steps the Admiralty are taking to provide housing for these men, and so prevent even further overcrowding in the Rosyth neighbourhood?

The number of men required at Crombie when the depot is in full working order will be about 450. The Admiralty are erecting over sixty houses for workmen and police. Offers have been received from various sources for the provision of further housing accommodation in the neighbourhood, which are now being carefully considered.

Does the Admiralty undertake the responsibility if private enterprise does not?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing interest shown by Members of this House in matters connected with India, he can see his way to give two days instead of one for the discussion of the Indian Budget this year?

I will consider this suggestion when the time arrives for fixing the date for the introduction of the Indian Budget.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether India is not entitled to more time and attention since her adoption by the Labour party?

asked the Prime Minister, if, following the decision of the Admiralty to permanently store a supply of oil for the entire needs of the Fleet for three years in time of peace and one year in time of war, he will consider the desirability of erecting at suitable centres throughout the country elevators for the storage of grain in order to ensure the nation's food in the case of war?

As I have recently stated, the Government have various aspects of the question of food supplies in time of war, including that suggested by the hon. Member, under consideration, but at present a final reply cannot be given.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, on a lease of lands required by the London Electric Railway Company for their Piccadilly Circus station, the Commissioners of Woods and Forests demanded a slightly reduced rent of £800 and, in addition, a fine of £89,834, and also large expenditure on buildings; and what was the amount so expended on buildings?

This was practically a sale subject to a rent of £800 a year (the lease being for 999 years). The sum of £89,834 formed part of the consideration agreed with the two companies, which were subsequently amalgamated in the London Electric Railway Company. The subject of the transaction was a large block of property in Piccadilly, the Hay-market, and Jermyn Street, on or under which the stations of two tube railways and an hotel over and some shops have been constructed. No stipulation was made as to expenditure, and the Commissioner of Woods has no information as to the amount actually spent.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if it is his intention to prohibit the use of kettle nets in Rye Bay, in the use of which vast quantities of immature fish are destroyed, to the great detriment of the fishermen on the coast?

This is a question not for the Board, but for the Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee in the first instance. The Board have no power to take the initiative, and if the Committee submit, as they may, a proposed by-law for the confirmation of the Board, it will have to be considered with an open mind. My hon. Friend will therefore understand that I cannot prejudge the question by either agreeing or disagreeing with his view as to the effect of the use of kettle nets.

asked what are the actual steps, if any, taken by the officials of the Board to discover on farm premises the source of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the absence of any possibility of contact between animals on the premises and other animals known to have been previously infected?

It is impossible within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question to describe the steps taken to trace the origin of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease. The procedure was explained in detail by officers of the Board in their evidence given before the Departmental Committee. For full information I must refer the hon. Gentleman to Cd. 6244 of 1912.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will forthwith use his best endeavours to obtain a reduction in the period of embargo, placed by the Argentine and other Governments upon the importation of live stock from England and Wales in the event of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, from six to three months, so that if no further outbreaks occur during the next few weeks there may be no interference with the export to Argentina and other countries of cattle and other live stock sold at the Royal Agricultural Society's Show in June?

I fully appreciate the importance of this question and am already doing all that can be done to bring about a satisfactory arrangement.

Can steps be taken to reduce the embargo on Irish cattle in the three provinces?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has yet prepared an Election Order to admit of electing parish councillors by ballot, in substitution for, or as an alternative for, the existing custom of electing them by show of hands; and, if so, when he proposes to issue it and bring it into operation?

An Order is in course of preparation.

asked how much the cost of the land, excluding law charges, road making, and estate development, represents in the weekly rent of the houses proposed to be erected in the following cases in which loans have recently been sanctioned by the Local Government Board; the South-gate Urban District Council, the Fether-stone Urban District Council, the Hendon Urban District Council, the Chelmsford Borough Council, the Barnet Urban District Council, the Pontefract Borough Council, the Tiverton Borough Council the Yeovil Borough Council, and the Evesham Rural District Council, showing in each case the total average rent proposed to be charged and the proportion of it which represents the cost of the land?

Without an examination in each case of the plans in order to apportion the charge for the land between the houses to be built it is impossible to give the figures which the hon. Member desires with any degree of accuracy.

I will put the question down again.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been directed to the conditions of housing at Newton-in-the-Willows, a small agricultural village near Kettering; if he is aware that Mr. William Chapman, a farm labourer and parish clerk for over fifty years, has just received notice to quit the cottage in which he has lived all his life at Lady Day next; that he can get no other cottage in Newton-in-the-Willows; that he does not know where to go and that his friends fear it may endanger him to be moved, as he is seventy-eight years of age; and what he proposes to do in the matter?

I am aware of the circumstances of this case, but my right hon. Friend has in any case no power to prevent effect being given to the notice to quit the cottage, which has been served upon Mr. Chapman. Nor does it appear from the information at present before the Board that the village is one in which the rural district council can properly be pressed to build cottages, as the supply is stated to be adequate to house the persons working in the locality.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, as a result of the experiments carried out by his predecessor, a satisfactory method has been found of diminishing the glare produced by dazzling head-lights on motor cars?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any control over the regulations which govern the lighting of motor cars; and, if so, if he has sanctioned any regulation permitting motor vehicles to use at night head-lights of such power and brilliancy as by their blinding light to endanger the lives of pedestrians who may be crossing the road and the safety of other vehicles which may be using it?

My right hon. Friend, the President of the Local Government Board, is considering the results of a number of experiments which have been made. He is not, however, in a position to make a compulsory regulation on the subject at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Education what are the terms of reference to the Departmental Committee appointed by him in connection with the reconstitution of the University of London; and whether that Committee is empowered to recommend such constitution for the university as will secure unimpaired and on a permanent basis the work of the external side of the university as hitherto conducted and not in accordance with the principles of the Haldane Commission Report?

The terms of reference are as follows:—"To inquire and report, after consulting with the bodies and persons concerned, as to the steps by which effect shall be given to the scheme of the Report of the Royal Commission on University Education in London, and to recommend the specific arrangements and provisions which may be immediately adopted for that purpose, and as the basis of the necessary legislation." As regards the second part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to a similar question on the 5th March.

Is it contemplated by any Act reconstituting the university to give it discretionary power to exclude external students from its examinations?

I do not think that the Royal Commission suggested the university having such power, nor, so far as I know, was any such idea in their minds.

Are the Committee recommending a scheme—

I am afraid I cannot hear the question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in anticipation of his full statement with regard to the conclusions arrived at by the Imperial Defence Committee in the re-examination of the invasion problem, he will inform the House whether the figure of 70,000, as the possible size of the invading force which our Home Defence Army should be capable of dealing with, has been increased, or decreased, or left unchanged, as a result of the recent inquiry?

The figure of 70,000 has been left unchanged.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the growing interest, in the Midlands and South and West of England in the development of inland waterways of the country, he will state whether the Government propose to appoint a Waterways Board, as recommended by the Royal Commission on Canals, or to carry out by legislation or otherwise any of the other recommendations of that Commission?

The Royal Commission recommended that the first step should be the appointment of a Central Waterways Board for Great Britain, and most of the other recommendations are dependent on this step being taken. As to this I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to a question put by the hon. Member on the 19th February.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able at an early date to make a more definite statement on this matter, considering the interest evinced upon it in every part of the country?

My right hon. Friend is receiving a deputation from the Waterways' Association at the end of the month.

May I ask whether something cannot be done to improve the existing waterways without going so far as an expenditure of £20,000,000?

I am afraid I cannot answer that on the spur of the moment.

asked whether, in view of the facilities which have been arranged for facilitating the financial business of the House, he can fix a day for the discussion of the grievances of postal servants and the Holt Report?

also asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unrest among Post Office servants as the result of the Holt Committee, he can give a day before the Easter vacation for a discussion on the Report?

I fear I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked how many local authorities have provided for the free examination of sputum; and how many have not yet made such provision?

The Department have no exact information on the subject. Speaking generally, the schemes of treatment which are now being developed by the councils of counties and county boroughs include arrangements for the examination of the sputum of patients attending institutions provided by these councils.

asked whether, if the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commission, is going to continue to reply to Questions on the Insurance Act which used to be addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury, he may be given some more concise title and so save time and printing in Questions?

I am prepared to consider any suggestions which the hon. Member has to make.

When I asked whether the arrangement would be permanent, did not the right hon. Gentleman reply that it was under consideration?

:I said it would be a new appointment.

asked when the right hon. Gentleman will introduce the Bill to provide for the deposit contributors whose provision under the National Insurance Acts lapses at the end of the present year?

As has already been stated, special investigations in regard to this class of insured persons are in progress, and, until they are completed, it would be premature to make any further statement.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many medical tickets have been sent out by the Liverpool Insurance Committee; and how many have been returned owing to the insured person having changed his address?

asked how many persons were engaged by the Liverpool Insurance Committee to deal with returned medical tickets; how many days they were employed in tracing the insured persons who had removed without notifying their change of address; what was the total cost of employing this staff on this work; and out of what fund this money was paid?

The number of medical cards was over 225,000, of which about 37,000 were returned. The staff employed in dealing with the returned cards were twelve girls and three men. The approximate cost of this staff is £40.

asked whether the collectors of the panel doctors are employed by the Blackburn Insurance Committee to deliver medical tickets to insured persons; how many collectors are so employed; what remuneration is paid to them for this service; how many doctors' collectors have refused to undertake this work; and what arrangements are made to deliver the cards in these cases?

My right hon. Friend is informed that in a large number of cases the collectors of the panel doctors were employed by the Blackburn Insurance Committee to deliver medical cards to insured persons, but he is unable to state how many were so employed or how many declined to undertake the work. The remuneration offered was 2s. 6d a hundred cards. In those cases in which it was not possible to secure the delivery of the cards by the doctors' collectors the cards were sent by post, or delivered by other persons engaged for the purpose.

asked what are the arrangements which have been made by which an insured person who has been refused medical attendance by three panel doctors can obtain medical benefit without further delay?

Insurance committees have always had power under their agreements with doctors to assign to a doctor any insured person applying to them for the purpose who experiences difficulty in getting accepted, and this power has always been exercised when necessary. The recent constitution of panel committees under the 1913 Act, however, has made it possible to facilitate the procedure of assignment, which is now being revised by insurance committees with this object.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how long it takes the insurance committees to get insured persons allotted to particular doctors?

It is done instantly. The patient applies to the doctor, who either treats him or tells him where to go.

The hon. Gentleman has' not answered my question.

If the hon. Gentleman will give me the details of any case I will inquire, but I cannot do so if he merely makes vague statements.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commission, whether the Government has taken official notice of the remarks of the coroner, made on Saturday last, in respect of the case of George John Chandler, an insured person, who suffered from consumption, and filled up the requisite application form for sanatorium treatment, which was sent in on the 12th January, but who received no benefits, and cut his throat during what the Bedford coroner's jury found to be temporary insanity; and what explanation he can give the House of the failure to treat this unfortunate man?

I would refer the hon. Member to my full reply of the 4th instant, from which he will see that his insinuation is absolutely baseless.

How is the hon. Member in a position to say that the delay in treating a man in his state did not conduce to his death?

Because the inquest shows that the man had all the nourishment and all necessary attention.

It did not show the state of his mind.

asked the number of persons belonging to friendly societies at the date the National Insurance Act came into force, and the number of persons now insured under the National Insurance Act; and if the Hearts of Oak Society gave better benefits than are obtainable under the National Insurance Act?

The total membership of friendly societies, including duplicates, was in December, 1911, approximately six and three-quarter millions. The number of persons insured under the Act without duplicates is nearly fourteen millions. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman state more precisely what number of persons are at the present moment obtaining benefits under the Act?

The precise number of insured is 13,759,400.

asked the number of persons now insured under the National Insurance Act and the number of persons whose names are on the list of panel doctors; and, if these lists do not correspond numerically, what is the amount of money outstanding on the medical benefit side?

In reply to the first part of the question, the latest available figure is 13,759,400. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to my replies to the hon. Member for Colchester on the 25th ultimo and 2nd instant.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if his attention has been called to the correspondence which has passed between the South Stoneham guardians and the county medical officer for Hampshire with regard to the discharge, in January last, from a sanatorium of an insurance patient suffering from tuberculosis; why this discharge resulted in the patient becoming a charge upon the guardians, having regard to the provisions of the National Insurance Act; if any person suffering from tuberculosis, who has contributed under the Act, is liable at any time after a short period of treatment under an insurance committee to be passed on to the guardians to be dealt with; and if, in such circumstances, the insurance committee are called upon to contribute to the person's upkeep?

The correspondence in question had not previously been brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend. He is informed, however, that the insured person referred to received three months' treatment in a sanatorium, at the expiration of which the medical officer of the sanatorium reported that the patient would derive no advantage from a continuance of this form of treatment. The insurance committee, accordingly, recommended, on the advice of their medical adviser, a course of domiciliary treatment; but finding, on inquiry, that the patient had no home at which treatment could be given, they communicated with the guardians.

May I ask if this method of placing an additional burden on local authorities is for the purpose of concealing the bankruptcy of the Insurance Act?

No. I have no doubt this was a very sad case, but, unfortunately, it was not a case provided for by the Insurance Act.

asked the Postmaster - General whether Messrs. Stewarts and Lloyds, Coombs Wood Works, Halesowen, are on the list of contractors for metal tubing?

The firm named is on the list of contractors for metal tubing.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will replace the present telephone box at Houghton-le-Spring with a more modern structure?

I am making arrangements to replace as soon as possible the existing cabinet by another of more suitable size and design as suggested by the hon. Member.

asked whether two officers in the cable room of the Central Telegraph Office have been unanimously recommended for promotion to the rank of overseer and assistant-superintendent, respectively, in that department by the whole of their immediate superiors; and whether, in view of this certification that the officers in question are the best qualified of those eligible for the performance of the higher duties, any reason exists for withholding their appointments?

The two officers to whom the hon. Member is understood to refer are not regarded by the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office, with whom the responsibility for making recommendations rests, as the best qualified for promotion at the present time. I fear, therefore, that it will be impossible to promote them on this occasion.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state how many tenders have been received, and from whom, in respect of the contract for the construction and equipment of the second series of three wireless stations for the Imperial chain; and whether the contract for these second three stations has yet been allocated, and, if so, to whom?

The second three stations are included in the contract with the Marconi Company, and so far, therefore, the Marconi Company holds the contract for them. Under Clause 2 of the contract, however, the Postmaster-General has power to cancel the contract so far as it relates to those three stations; and it was with this power in view that my predecessor issued a notice in the Press in November last that he would be prepared to consider applications to tender from any firms, companies, or contractors who were able, by means of practical demonstration, to satisfy him of the efficiency of their system. Tenders were not asked, and none were sent in. Replies were received from the Universal Radio Syndicate (Poulsen system), the Société Francaise Radioélectrique (Béthenod system), and the Galletti Company; but their proposals were too indefinite, and the dates suggested for the demonstrations too distant to justify waiting. The companies were informed that the Post Office would be glad to witness demonstrations of the systems; but as a matter of fact no successful demonstration, even of an experimental character, has yet been given.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in the Post Office life insurance scheme, a regulation is inserted by which those who are unvaccinated have to consent that, in the event of their death from small-pox, only the amount actually paid in premiums shall be paid to their relatives instead of the full amount insured for; will he state why a similar clause is not inserted in the policies of vaccinated persons; is he aware that under the National Insurance Act submission to vaccination is not made a condition for the receipt of benefits; and, seeing that conscientious objection to vaccination has been recognised by law in this country since 1898, is he now prepared to amend the regulation under notice of his life insurance scheme?

The National Debt Commissioners, on whose behalf insurance contracts are granted by the Post Office, after examining the general practice of insurance offices, recognised, I am informed, an increased risk in the case of the insurance of unvaccinated persons. They considered, therefore, that this should be met by a provision that, in the case of an unvaccinated person dying from small-pox the payment should be limited to a return of the premiums paid.

asked if it is proposed to reintroduce in the present Session of Parliament the Bill introduced and dropped last year to indemnify the hon. Member for Whitechapel for taking part in the proceedings of the House while interested in a contract with the Government of India?

The matter is still under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether this Bill is going to be promoted again or not?

Very soon.

asked the Postmaster-General whether there have been a number of robberies of property belonging to women operators in the Gerrard exchange; and, if so, has the culprit been found in any case, and are proper precautions taken to guard the back door at all hours?

It is the case that a number of losses of private property have been reported by members of the staff at the Gerrard exchange; and some of these losses are doubtless attributable to theft. A thief was detected and dismissed in October, 1912; but the inquiries made in the more, recent cases have not resulted in the detection of the offender. I am satisfied that the precautions taken to guard the back door at all hours are adequate.

asked what is the total number of chief and sub-post offices, telegraph and telephone offices, and the total number of employés engaged in postal work in Ireland?

The number of post offices in Ireland at 31st March, 1913, was 3,046, of which ninety-four were head offices. The total number of employés engaged in post office work in Ireland is approximately 17,160. This figure does not include assistants to scale-payment sub-postmasters, who are not in the direct employ of the Department, nor deliverers, etc., paid out of allowances to postmasters and sub-postmasters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the overcrowding which takes place on the Metropolitan District Railway between 6.30 and 8.30 on the section between East Ham and Aldgate East stations; and if he will station an inspector at Aldgate East station between the hours mentioned with a view to a report being made to the Board?

I have communicated with the Midland and the Metropolitan District Railway companies in this matter, and I am sending my hon. Friend copies of their replies. It is undeniable that trains are often crowded during the busy hours on such a line as this, and I do not, therefore, think that a visit by one of the Board's inspecting officers would serve any very useful purpose. If my hon. Friend has any specific suggestions to make for the improvement of the train service I shall be glad to communicate them to the companies.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the recent Board of Trade inquiry into the loss by fire in the North Atlantic of the steamship "Templemore," with particular reference to the application to the Court for the costs of the master, who was entirely exonerated from blame, to be paid by the Board of Trade; and, if so, whether the suggestion which has been made by the Court to the Board of Trade that some part, at any rate, of the master's expenses might be allowed him has now received his favourable consideration?

My attention has been drawn to the judgment of the Court of Inquiry recently held into the circumstances attending the loss of the steamship "Templemore." The question of costs is one for the Court to determine, and I find that, although an application was made to the Court for an order for the costs of the master to be paid by the Board of Trade, the Court decided not to make any such order. As regards the suggestion referred to in the hon. Member's question, I may point out that the master was in receipt of a subsistence allowance from public funds at the usual rate from 23rd October, 1913, until the conclusion of the inquiry on 27th February, 1914, amounting altogether to over £95. None of the questions submitted to the Court suggested that the master was responsible for the casualty, and in these circumstances I regret that I can see no ground for applying to the Treasury to defray out of public funds any part of the legal expenses which he thought proper to incur.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of instructing counsel who represent the Government in Board of Trade inquiries not to oppose, but to support, applications made under these circumstances?

The application was not opposed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to two money-lending cases, in one of which Judge Woodfall, at Westminster, said that money-lenders incurred considerable risks and so required a high rate of interest, and gave judgment against a farmer for interest at about 350 per cent., and in the other, Judge Mulligan, at East Dereham, Norfolk, said that he did not think it necessary that money-lenders should make a living, or for that matter should live, and found that 20 per cent, interest was sufficient; and whether he will consider the possibility, by circular or otherwise, of trying to produce some uniformity in the rate of interest permitted by County Court Judges in these money-lending cases?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I regret that I was not able to deal with it when the hon. Gentleman put it down for Wednesday last. The Legislature has deliberately refrained from laying down what is the maximum rate of interest which money-lenders may recover upon their loans, and has preferred to leave to the tribunal the duty of judging in each case whether the bargain is "harsh and unconscionable," and, if it is, how the contract made by the borrower should be modified. In these circumstances the fact that different rates of interest are allowed in different cases is no indication that the same principles are not being applied, and it would not appear consistent with the legislation which Parliament has enacted for uniformity in the rate of interest to be secured by Executive action. I should add that both the County Court Judges referred to have been communicated with, and neither of them considers that the statement in the hon. Gentleman's question fully explains the view he took, which, in each case, depended upon particular facts proved before him.

asked if, in consideration of the development in London of establishments known as supper clubs, the main object of which is to carry on a restaurant business during hours in which licensed hotels and restaurants are obliged to close their premises, he will enforce, either by legislation or through regulations, provisions by which this competition with restaurants and other licensed premises by these so-called clubs, having special regard to the fact that a considerable number of those who frequent them are not members, may be suppressed; and that these clubs shall be obliged to conform to the same rules and restrictions as regards closing as restaurants and licensed premises?

I received a few days ago representations from the Association of Hotels and Restaurants on this subject, and I am arranging to receive a deputation from them. In the meantime, I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Baronet on the 16th February.

Will my right hon. Friend in the meantime consider whether special instructions ought not to be issued?

I do not think special instructions are necessary for the purpose.

asked whether, when special Reports are asked for in respect of inmates of criminal lunatic asylums, a personal examination is made by a Home Office expert?

When I require a report on the condition of an inmate of one of the criminal lunatic asylums I obtain it from the medical superintendent, who has direct personal knowledge on the subject, not from one examination merely, but from continuous observation.

asked how often the Lunacy Commissioners visit the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum?

Once a year, as shown in their Annual Report laid before Parliament.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is yet in a position to announce his decision in the case of Mrs. Savage, of Holloway, now undergoing a sentence of six months' imprisonment; has he any information pointing to the habits of her late husband and his responsibility for the condition of the children when Mrs. Savage was cautioned on a previous occasion; and has he taken into consideration that the Islington Board of Guardians, after careful inquiries into the case by the receiving homes committee, recommend the release of the woman, and that the guardians are prepared to render suitable assistance to enable Miss Mary Neal to arrange for the proper keep of the mother and children?

The matters mentioned in the question are receiving my attention, together with all the other circumstances of this case. I hope to be able to announce my decision in a day or two.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the whole of the fishing towns in the districts embraced by Loch Fyne and the territorial waters of the Firth of Clyde, with the single exception of Campbeltown and including the wholesale fish salesmen of Glasgow, have by public meetings and resolutions shown unanimously that they are anxious for a statutory close time for the fishing of herring in these waters from 1st February to the middle of May; and is it intended, in view of the falling off of this industry, to give any effect to the local desires for a statutory close time?

According to my present information the opposition to the proposals for a close time in the waters referred to is not so restricted as my hon. Friend's question suggests, but includes most of the Ayrshire fishermen as well as those from Campbeltown and Carradale, a group which represents a large proportion of the interests affected. The whole question of the herring fishery in the area referred to has, for some time, been engaging the consideration of the Fishery Board, but hitherto the making of such a regulation has not been deemed expedient in view of the conflict of opinion. I am informed that the fishery showed a considerable improvement in 1913.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Fishery Board have always said that they never could really enforce a statutory close time?

Yes, there is a difficulty because the same fishermen vary in their opinion from one season to another.

If the fishermen are unanimous, will the right hon. Gentleman take action?

That is the difficulty. They are very far from being unanimous.

asked if, in view of the fact that voluntary agreements have been made in Scotland between many farmers and workers for a Saturday half-holiday, the right hon. Gentleman will consider the possibility of introducing a Bill to apply the principle to the whole of the farmers and workers and to bring the backward into line?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Aberdeenshire last Thursday, to which I am unable to add anything.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that last week he told my hon. Friend the fact of a voluntary agreement being made was satisfactory, and this question arises naturally out of that answer?