asked the First Lard of the Admiralty if he will state the names of the firms which have contracts with the Admiralty at the present time for the supply of armour plates?

The following firms hold contracts for armour for the Admiralty at the present time:—

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that their plant is capable of a very much larger output of armour plate than they at present execute; and whether they were not encouraged years ago to increase their plant?

That was gone into before the Select Committee, and I am not going to make any admissions likely to be advantageous to one side or the other.

Did the right hon. Gentleman regard that as hostile? It was not.

Neither hostile nor friendly. I have to pursue a path which is entirely neutral to these great firms.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the divers employed in the attempts to raise the submarine A7 have made any reports which will assist in elucidating the reason why the submarine sank to so great a depth and could not rise to the surface again; and if there was any hidden defect found in this particular submarine which will account for her loss?

No, Sir.

Have the divers penetrated into this submarine at all?

I believe not.

Then this matter will remain unknown as to what caused the disaster?

We shall not know any more than at present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any defect list had been furnished by the commanding officer of A7 submarine previous to her sinking: and, if so, whether any defects were put in relative to the pumps or tanks?

A7 was due for annual refit in February of this year. The customary defect list was forwarded to the dockyard by her commanding officer on the 15th January, in accordance with the regulations, one month before the commencement of the refit. A scrutiny of the list shows that the annual routine examination of the tanks and some minor repairs to pumps were included, but no defect appears which affected the seagoing efficiency or safety of the vessel. The maintenance of a submarine's pumps in an efficient condition is of vital importance, and is closely watched from day to day by the naval officers responsible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any wireless messages were received from the submarine recently lost near Plymouth after she had sunk; and, if so, what was the-nature of the message?

No, Sir. A7 was not fitted with wireless telegraphy apparatus, nor would communication have been possible after the vessel had sunk even if she had been so fitted.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement by Captain Coulson in a recent speech at Southport relating to this subject?

No, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state when it is estimated that the works at Rosyth, at present under construction, will be completed; and will he state the estimated permanent number of persons who will reside there when the dockyard is completed and in full work?

The contract date for the completion of the works under construction is the 31st May, 1917. It is not possible to state the permanent number of persons who will reside at Rosyth when the dockyard is completed and in full work.

Cannot an estimate be made as to what the permanent population will be, as it is important in view of the discussion that may arise as to the housing of these people?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the date of the extension of the contract of Messrs. Easton Gibbs for large additional work connected with the new docks at Rosyth; and were any provisions as to the housing of the workmen made in the contract at the time of such extension?

Assuming the question relates to the provision of the third dock, the date of the supplemental contract was 25th June, 1913. No special provision was made for housing workmen beyond that contained in the conditions of the original contract. The contractors, however, agreed to accept the new Fair-Wages Clause in connection with this work.

Do I understand that there is no provision as to housing in the first contract of the Admiralty after all the discussion, and did they not think it necessary to insert one even last year in the new contract?

There was provision for handing over land. I will give my hon. Friend further information when the Navy Estimates are under discussion.

Will my hon. Friend encourage, the First Lord of the Admiralty to extend his activity by sleeping a few nights in these lodging houses?

asked the First Lord of Admiralty how many "Dread noughts" it is estimated we shall have available for whole-world service in the spring and summer of 1916, after providing for a 50 per cent. superiority over Germany in Home waters?

I propose to deal with the standards of naval strength when I introduce the Navy Estimates for 1914–15.

May I ask whether on and after the date mentioned in the question we shall have only two "Dreadnoughts" in the Mediterranean, and will not that be a practical abandonment of the former position?

The hon. Member is now giving information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what was the tonnage of the armoured ships in the British Mediterranean Fleet in March, 1904; what is the corresponding tonnage at present; and what is the total tonnage of the armoured ships completed for the Italian and Austrian navies since the date named?

I will circulate the answer with the Votes.—[ See Written Answers this date. ]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we reduced our tonnage in the Mediterranean since the date in the question by 111,000 tons, while Italy and Austria have increased theirs by 273,000 tons?

I follow with very close attention the movements of ships while responsible for the administration of the Admiralty, but the whole situation in the Mediterranean has frequently been laid before the House, and the House will soon have another opportunity of pronouncing upon it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Admiralty circular letter, dated 28th February, 1914, informs classes A and B of the Royal Fleet Reserve that they will be called out for eleven days' training during the month of July, 1914; whether the Admiralty circular letter, 1901, declares that classes A and B are not liable to be called upon to serve in the Fleet during peace manœuvres; whether the Admiralty circular letter, Royal Fleet Reserve, 1911, declares that neither class (A or B) is liable to be called upon for service for summer manœuvres; whether pensioners enrolling in the Royal Fleet Reserve incur no fresh liability with the exception of one week's annual training carried out in their own time; whether it is declared in the same circular that class A (pensioners) are only liable to be called out in an emergency; and whether the test mobilisation proposed for July, 1914, is in consequence of an emergency?

Under the present regulations the liability of classes A and B, except in emergency, is limited to a week's annual drill. Special terms of an advantageous character are offered to men who carry out eleven days' training in July, in recognition of the fact that it is a variation from their ordinary training. I may refer the Noble Lord to what I said yesterday in regard to the exemption of men who are unable to attend in July, and the importance, which the Admiralty attach to the mobilisation. In these circumstances, it is the duty of well-disposed persons to help, and not to hinder, the project.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a register is kept of firms in possession of hydrogen generating plant in the United Kingdom, and their capabilities of production in each case; and how far this supply is made compulsorily available in case of emergency?

Sir, this point has been and is being considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state how many battleships have been completed for the British and German Navies, respectively, from 1906 onwards?

The hon. Member will find the information he requires in the published Return standing in the name of my right hon. Friend the Member for North St. Pancras.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the event of an International Prize Court being established, it would be proposed for voting power to be according to tonnage registered in each country; or, if not, what method would be adopted?

Particulars as to the constitution of an International Prize Court will be found in Articles 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 43, and in the table annexed to Article 15 of the International Prize Court Convention. The convention is published in the Final Act of the Second Peace Conference, Miscellaneous No. 6, 1908, Command Paper 4,175. To give the hon. Member particulars of the constitution of the Court would exceed the limits of a Parliamentary question.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether it will be based upon tonnage or one for each country?

It is not based on either.

How is it based?

If the hon. Member will look at this answer he will see exactly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the New Hebrides Convention prohibits in Article 43 the transfer of labourers from one employer to another in consideration of a cash payment and with out the express consent of the labourers so transferred; and whether a recent decision of the Joint Court is a violation of this Article?

Article 43 of the New Hebrides Convention provides that no transfer of a contract of engagement shall be permitted unless freely accepted by the labourer. In the case referred to by my hon. Friend the Joint Court was, I presume, satisfied that the transfers were freely accepted by the labourers in question.

asked whether the rent of a number of bathing huts at Stokes Bay, near Portsmouth, on shingle beach, has been fixed by the Department at the annual sum of £760 per acre; and whether this decision was come to by the. War Department on their own initiative or whether the Treasury required them to ask this sum?

The rent of a bathing hut site of ordinary dimensions is 15s. a year. This compares favourably with the rents charged by private owners in the locality. The price was fixed locally, and the Army Council have concurred in it. No reference to the Treasury was necessary.

asked what is the number of water-cooled engines in efficient use by the Royal Flying Corps; and whether he has any information as to the number and high standard of reliability of these engines as used in the German flying corps?

One is in actual use and twenty-four others are being fitted into the twenty-four aeroplanes under construction at the Royal Aircraft Factory. I have no information as to the number in use in the German, flying corps, or as to the results obtained, but the high standard of reliability of the engines in question is recognised.

asked what number of civilians have been enlisted as mechanics, fitters, etc., in the reserve of mechanics, Royal Flying Corps; and what steps have been or will be taken to give these men some idea of military discipline and organisation?

It is proposed to open Category (a) Special Reserve shortly for the enlistment of mechanics, etc., for the Flying Corps. Those enlisted will be called up for a certain amount of training every year.

Am I to understand that nothing has been arranged yet, and that no civilians have been enlisted at the present moment?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

asked how many aeroplanes are now in use by No. 6 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps; and whether permanent hangar accommodation is to be provided for the aeroplanes of this squadron?

There are fourteen serviceable aeroplanes in use. They are accommodated in permanent hangars.

Can the Secretary of State for War give the House any information with regard to the sad accident which occurred this morning to the Royal Flying Corps, and which resulted in the death of Captain Allen and Lieutenant Burroughs?

I deeply regret to say that it is the fact that two officers of the military wing of the Royal Flying Corps at Nether Avon, namely, Captain Allen, of the Welsh Regiment, and Lieutenant Burroughs, of the Wiltshire Regiment, were killed. I have not been able to obtain any precise details of the cause of the accident, but I hope to receive them in the course of to-day. Meantime the commandant of the Central Flying School and the inspector of engines have both left for the scene of the accident, and most searching inquiry will be made into the cause of it. I need hardly add that I know the House sympathises with the relatives of the gallant officers.

asked whether the control of the land defences at Cromarty has been, placed in the hands of the Royal Marines, who have had little or no training or experience in the use of range-finding instruments and searchlights in connection with land defences; and, if so, why these guns are not manned by the Royal Artillery in the usual way?

The land defences at Cromarty are provided and controlled by the Admiralty.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the sanitary and educational defects in the Royal Soldiers' Daughters Home at Hampstead; and what steps have been taken or are in contemplation to remedy these defects and to afford to these children of soldiers similar educational advantages to those enjoyed by other children in London under the local education authority?

I have seen references to this matter in the Press, but I am not informed as to any action the committee of the institution, with whom the matter rests and who are not under my control, may contemplate taking.

asked whether, in view of the fact that, in the recent libel action, Major Adams v. Sir Edward Ward, the defendant had acted purely in his official capacity as a public servant under the directions of the Army Council, His Majesty's Government will indemnify Sir Edward Ward in respect of the whole costs and damages arising out of that action or of any appeal from the verdict?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to the question put to me on this subject by the hon. and gallant Gentleman on the 25th of last month.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the liability of the Army Council depends upon the result of the verdict?

No, Sir. I have been most careful to suggest nothing in this matter. It is still sub judice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider an indemnity as in the case of the hon. Member for White-chapel?

I hope I shall not be taken as saying "Yes" or "No" in this matter. As I have already said, there is nothing to be stated pending the possibility of an appeal.

asked whether any officer or man of the Territorial Force is subject to military law when on duty, but at all other times is entitled to complete freedom of action; or, if not, will he say what is the responsibility of such officers under the King's Regulations or otherwise?

The conditions under which officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Territorial Force would be subject to military law are stated at length in paragraphs 213–216 of the Territorial Force Regulations. It is a general rule applying to all persons in the service of the Crown that they should contract no obligations inconsistent with the performance of their duties in such capacity.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what will be the area of this year's Army manœuvres; and whether the Forest of Dean will be included in such area?

A draft of the Order in Council prescribing the area of the manœuvres for this year was laid on the Table on the 13th February, and a map has been placed in the Tea Room. The Forest of Dean, taken as a whole, is not included.

asked the Secretary for War whether instructions were given to the South African Government to destroy secret War Office documents; and, if so, when the instructions were given?

No particular instructions have been issued to the South African Government.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he will state the sterling value at the present time of the gold standard reserve, exclusive of its silver branch in India, and say what the loss would have been to the revenues of India during the past twelve months if half of this reserve had been held in the shape of metallic gold?

The sterling value at the present time is £21,412,000, of which £17,092,000 earns interest and £4,320,000 is in gold. But much of the gold has been added in the last three months. The average held in gold during the twelve months has been £2,093,000. The amount earned by the interest-bearing portion in the year is, approximately, £574,700. If half of the total represented by the securities and the average holding of gold had borne interest throughout the year, instead of the £17,092,000 just mentioned, at the rate-actually earned on the £17,092,000, the interest obtained would have been £322,500, or less by £252,200 than has actually been received.

Is my hon. Friend aware that very many people in India suspect the gold held by the Government of India in London is intended to support the reserve gold at the Bank of England in moments of crises, and that at the expense of the taxpayers of India?

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the existence of that suspicion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the London Insurance Committee has made any request for increased Grants to enable them to meet expenditure arising out of the working of the National Insurance Act; if so, what reply has been made to such request; and if any suggestion has been made to the London County Council, in the matter, and the nature thereof?

I understand that the London Insurance Committee communicated with the Treasury early last year as to the provision of further funds to defray the expenses of sanatorium benefit, and they were informed, in reply, of the conditions under which further funds are available for the treatment of tuberculosis. I have no information as regards the last part of the question.

Is it not a fact that the Treasury Estimates have been exceeded, and has it not been found necessary to communicate with the London County Council asking them to make up part of the deficiency out of the local rates?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by the Treasury Estimates being exceeded.

Has the amount placed aside by the London Insurance Committee been exceeded? Have they enough to pay the insured persons?

I have already answered that question.

No, Sir.

asked whether the Insurance Commissioners have still large sums of money in hand which ought to go to the approved societies for investment; and whether the societies are being credited with interest thereon at the rate of 3¼ per cent. only while they could themselves safely, and without difficulty, invest the money at 4¼ per cent.?

The money referred to consists largely of sums retained under Section 55 (3) of the Act The remainder consists partly of sums left by approved societies in the Investment Account under Section 56 (1) proviso, and partly of sums retained to meet current liabilities. All such moneys are invested temporarily under Section 54 (3) proviso.

Can the hon. Member say what interest, and will he also answer the latter part of the question?

At a rate of interest determined by the National Debt Commissioners.

asked how-many societies, or what membership of approved societies, in Scotland have elected to take advantage of the provisions of Section 16 of the amending Insurance Act, thereby securing separate valuation in Scotland?

Representations have been received by the Joint Committee under the proviso of Sub-section (1) of Section 16 of the National Insurance Act, 1913, in respect of nineteen societies having a membership in Scotland of 708,277.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will specify the insurance committee areas in Great Britain where the drug fund under the National Insurance Act is insufficient to pay the panel chemists their accounts in full for 1913?

For the reasons already given in my reply to similar questions by the hon. Member it is not at present possible to make any statement on the subject.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commission, why a young domestic servant, by name Anne Yeatman, in service at 17, Macaulay Road, Clapham, taken seriously ill, and ordered by Dr. Hopewell, Water Lane, Brixton, to go into the country as quickly as possible, who went to her parents at Oxford on 26th February, and applied at once to the London National Health Insurance Committee, 5, Chancery Lane, for a medical ticket to be sent to her to enable her to have the attention of a panel doctor, has had no reply to her application, and is consequently unable to obtain medical treatment?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the London Insurance Committee received an application, dated 28th February, for a medical card from the person referred to. The particulars of her insured membership were, however, incorrectly stated, and further investigation was necessary. The card was issued on the 5th instant.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman why the medical ticket was not sent to the girl until nine days after her application, during which her condition was serious, and why the ticket had not been sent to her at the beginning of the year?

The facts as stated by the Commissioners do not quite agree with the facts as stated by the Noble Lord. I understand that she did not reply until 28th February, and then gave incorrect particulars. When correct particulars were ascertained a card was immediately sent.

asked whether the finance sub-committee of the Canterbury Insurance Committee have passed a resolution asking the Insurance Commissioners to grant them an extra sum of money so that they may be able to pay the local panel chemists their accounts in full?

My right hon. Friend has no information as to any such resolution.

asked whether a sea-going boilermaker earning £11 per month and his keep is considered to be a manual worker and therefore compulsorily insured, although his income, including his keep, is reckoned to exceed £160 a year?

The question whether employment is employment by way of manual labour depends upon the nature of the duties performed in the particular case. If my hon. Friend has a specific case in his mind, I would I suggest that the facts of the case should be put before the Commissioners with a view to a formal decision being obtained under Section 66 of the principal Act.

asked whether a person who ceased to pay contributions in August last because his income then exceeded £160 a year is entitled to claim benefit until arrears begin to have effect in July next?

No, Sir. A person who ceases to be employed within the meaning of the Act because his rate of remuneration exceeds £160 a year is suspended from insurance, and therefore ceases, during suspension, to be entitled to benefit quite apart from the operation of the arrears provisions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the 3,750 assessments for Increment Value Duty made to 30th December, 1913, if he will state how many of such assessments resulted in the payment of duty and the total amount of Increment Value Duty received?

I am informed that the number of these assess- ments which have, up to the present, resulted in payment of duty is 2,050. As regards the yield of particular taxes during the current financial year, I am not prepared to give figures in advance of my usual financial statement.

asked what is the amount realised by the Exchequer by the extra duties imposed by Section 74 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, on conveyances or transfers operating as voluntary, disposition inter vivos in each of the financial years ending 31st March, 1911, 1912, and 1913?

The approximate amounts for the years in question are £48,000, £65,000, and £74,000, respectively.

asked whether, in view of the statement made by the Lord Privy Seal on 11th August, 1913, the right hon. Gentleman will give directions to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to refund Undeveloped Land Duty to any owner who can show that it is not possible for him to obtain for his land more than the rent for the purposes of agriculture?

asked whether, in view of the statement made by the Paymaster-General on the 11th August, 1913, he will give directions to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue not to assess any owner for Undeveloped Land Duty except in respect of land which is being held up by such owner, and unless the Commissioners can afford proof that such land could be used during the year of assessment for a better purpose than agriculture?

I see no reason for giving any special directions to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue.

Is the House to understand that the doctrine laid down by the Lord Privy Seal or the practice of the Commissioners is the correct one?

I do not think the hon. Member correctly interprets the doctrine laid down by the Lord Privy Seal. I have copies of it here.

Do the following-words carry out the doctrine now being pursued by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue:—

"Suppose the owners of land can show that it is definitely impossible to obtain more than an agricultural rent, then, if they were to appeal, they would be excused the sum charged."

Is that the correct interpretation?

The hon. and gallant Member has not quoted what was further stated in the course of the same speech:—

"It has never been contended on this side of the House that this particular tax is only to be applied to cases in which it can be shown that land which might profitably be built on to-morrow is being deliberately kept out of the market, but there are also cases in which land might not be what the speculative builders call ripe for building on which the tax may very properly be charged."

That passage is in the same speech.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state how a Minister came to make such a misleading statement?

It is not at all misleading. On the contrary, it is a statement by which we stand.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will explain why, having regard to the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, the practice has been adopted by the Commissioners of picking out a strip of purely argicultural land abutting on a road and forming part of a field the site value of which is worth less than £50 an acre and transferring part of the site value of the whole field to the site value of the strip of land solely for the purpose of making a claim for Undeveloped Land Duty?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. It is only where the frontage land has a site value exceeding £50 an acre that a claim for duty arises, and in the apportionment, which is made according to the respective values of the apportioned parts, there o is no transfer of value such as the hon. Member suggests.

Does that not mean that Undeveloped Land Duty may be claimed on any purely agricultural land if it abuts on the roadway?

If by abutting on a road it has a building value above the agricultural value, of course it does.

Then in any agricultural district Increment Value Duty may be claimed? Has the right hon. Gentleman not stated that agricultural land of that character was exempt?

Certainly not. It has always been stated and understood, and, in fact, it is in the Act of Parliament, that if there is a building value over and above the agricultural value it is chargeable. All land undeveloped must have been agricultural land at one time or another.

asked whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue claim, when assessing Undeveloped Land Duty upon agricultural land, place the-greater part of the agricultural value of the entire holding on the acre upon which the farmhouse is situated, and which is in any case exempt from Undeveloped Land Duty, thus reducing the agricultural value shown in respect of the rest of the farm, and producing consequently an agricultural value lower than the assessable site value of the whole farm, although the provisional valuation of the whole farm shows an agricultural value in excess of the-assessable site value; and whether he will state under what provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, the Commissioners claim the right to apportion agricultural value in this manner or at all?

The Commissioners do not, and have no power to, apportion agricultural value. They ascertain, for the purposes of assessment of duty, the agricultural value of the land which is liable to duty, and the value so-ascertained may be greater or less than the agricultural value of the remainder of the hereditament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Commissioners are assessing Undeveloped Land Duty on the site values of undefined portions of land comprised in a holding without having first made an apportionment of the site value as provided by Subsection (2) of Section 29 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to which a statutory objection could be taken and against which a statutory appeal could be lodged; whether the owner is debarred by this procedure from appealing against the-amount of such assessment, having regard to the provisions of Section 33; whether this procedure has been adopted by the Commissioners with the express object of evading the provisions relative to appeals; and whether he will take steps to ensure: that the Commissioners shall comply with the provisions of the Act?

Where part of a holding is exempt from Undeveloped Land Duty, and no formal apportionment of site value is made, the Commissioners indicate on the notice of assessment the allowance granted to give effect to the exemption, and furnish any further information which is desired. This procedure has certainly not been adopted with the object suggested by the hon. Member, nor does it debar the owner from appealing against the amount of the assessment and calling in question the allowance which has been made.

asked whether the larger part of the receipts from Undeveloped Land Duty are in respect of duty assessed on agricultural land?

No statistics are available on this point. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, duty is charged only on the excess of site value over agricultural value.

asked whom it has been decided to appoint as a Development Commissioner in the place of Sir Sainthill Eardley-Wilmot, who retired from the Commission last summer?

I hope to make an announcement very shortly.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the fact that he has made a statement to the same effect several times, both last Session and this?

As the hon. Gentleman knows very well, the difficulty is that I should like to have appointed two additional Commissioners; and whether you are able to have an additional person or not depends upon very largely whom you appoint.

asked how many occasional valuations have been made in Ireland to 31st December, 1913; and what sum has been paid as the result of these valuations for Increment Value Duty?

I understand that the number of valuations on separate occasions made up to the 31st December, 1913, is 5,786. As regards the yield of particular taxes during the current financial year, I am not prepared to give figures in advance of my usual financial statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much those valuations cost?

Not without notice.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say the amount of duty collected up to March last?

No.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received several complaints from pension committees in county Kerry regarding the refusal of pension officers to attend meetings; whether this refusal has caused in convenience and has practically prevented committees going on with their work; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware that the county Kerry pension committee have passed several resolutions in reference to the fact that the local pension officers have not recently attended the meetings of the committee. I can only repeat what has already been said to the committee by the Board of Customs and Excise that there is no obligation upon pension officers to attend at meetings of local pension committees. Pension officers do, in fact, attend whenever the cases under consideration raise points which make their presence necessary; but, having regard to the numerous matters which require their attention, the Board are not prepared to require them to give such attendance as a general rule.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that the local pensions officer has been requested to attend the meetings of the committee on several occasions during the past twelve months, and that he has during all that time ignored their request?

I will take note of that fact.

asked if a decision has yet been come to as to what extent the judgments of Mr. Justice Scrutton, in the cases of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue v, Smyth and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue v. Hunter, should be accepted or appealed against; and, if there Are to be appeals, what steps will be taken to expedite the hearing?

The matters referred to are receiving very careful consideration, and I hope to be able to announce the Government's decision early next week.

If this decision be reversed, will not the result be that duty payable on an occasion will differ materially, according to whether the occasion arises in the summer, when the grass is growing, or in the winter, when it is not?

I think that the hon. Gentleman had better put that conundrum off until I have answered the question on the Paper.

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman cannot answer now?

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered the Reports relating to the condition of St. Paul's Cathedral and the need of money to assure its safety; and if the Government propose to make a Grant towards this object?

In answering this question, to which I hope he will give a favourable consideration, will the Prime Minister bear in mind that St. Paul's has very special associations with the House, having regard to the fact that its builder, Sir Christopher Wren, was in several Parliaments a Member of the House of Commons?

I have seen some of the reports referred to in the question, but the matter has not in its general aspects been before the Government officially. The question what remedial steps (if any) are required is primarily one for the cathedral authorities.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, if it came before them, they are likely to give it favourable consideration?

I have not received any representations on the subject.

Will the Prime Minister remember that St. Paul's was built with moneys obtained by Parliamentary Grants at a time when public opinion was much weaker than at present?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to page 71 of the Civil Service Estimates, Law Charges in Scotland, where it is stated that the salaries of the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor-General for Scotland cover all business of whatever sort done by them in virtue of their offices; if so, will he take any steps to institute this system with Law Officers in all parts of the United Kingdom or, if not, will he see that Scotland is not ill-treated in this respect?

The rules regulating the emoluments of the Law Officers of the Crown in the three kingdoms were settled nearly twenty years ago with a view to the duties discharged by them respectively on behalf of public Departments in the several kingdoms. I am not aware of any ground for re-opening the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that inconvenience is caused to the in habitants of Barwell by the closing of the post office on Wednesday afternoon; and whether he will put a relief man in for this afternoon weekly, in order that the post office business may not be interrupted in this manner?

I am aware of the case, and the circumstances were fully stated in a letter to the hon. Member in October last. Apart from practical difficulties in sending a relief clerk to Barwell Post Office on Thursday afternoon, on which day early closing now is observed, the amount of postal and telegraph work to be dealt with would not warrant the cost involved.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his predecessor has, in an action in Dublin at the suit of the County Dublin County Council, repudiated agreements entered into by the National Telephone Company prior to the Government's purchase of that undertaking in 1911; whether the judge held that he was not bound by the conditions and stipulations formerly binding on the telephone company; and whether the Post Office claims the right either to abandon or to enforce such agreements in accordance with the interests of the Department?

The decision of Mr. Justice Dodd, against which there has at present been no appeal, was that the particular agreements in question which related to wayleaves on public roads were not binding on the Postmaster-General. The attitude of the Post Office towards all agreements depends upon their legal effect, and not upon considerations of interest. I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my predecessor to the hon. Member for Kendal on 20th March, 1911, and to the hon. Member for Ealing on 8th May, 1912, for a full statement of the position of the Post Office with regard to agreements made by the National Telephone Company in respect of wayleaves on public roads and on private property.

asked the Postmaster-General the reasons which determined his advisers to recommend him to refuse the installation of a telephone service between Longford and Richmond Harbour, viâ Killashee, where the present line ends; whether he is aware that at least 100 telegrams per week would be sent through this office; and whether he will agree to instal the office if there is a small local guarantee provided?

Telephone facilities cannot at present be provided at Richmond Harbour, as there is no exchange nearer than Athlone or Mullingar. The application for telegraph facilities was refused because the use likely to be made by the public of the service was too small to warrant the cost, even under the usual guarantee of one-third of any annual loss involved. The estimated telegraph traffic was 100 telegrams a year, and not 100 telegrams a week. I should be willing to provide a telegraph office at Richmond Harbour if a guarantee for the whole of the annual deficit were given.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he still adheres to the arrangement by which the telephone exchange is proposed to be put Into a private house in Longford instead of at the local post office, in which there is ample room for the same; whether it is the practice of his Department to make arrangements of this kind without any notice to telephone users, who desire to secure official secrecy for the transaction of their business; whether the police in Longford have made any report as to the unsuitability of the selected site for the exchange and their refusal to do business through it; and whether the present arrangement will be cancelled and the exchange put in the local post office for the satisfaction of all parties in the town?

I see no reason for departing from my predecessor's decision to house the exchange in premises outside the post office. This decision was based on the fact that the requirements of the service could not be properly met in the post office premises. It is not the practice to consult subscribers as to the position of exchange premises. The staff employed in exchanges are always placed under an obligation to observe secrecy, and this condition would apply at Longford. No communication has been received from the Longford police in the sense indicated.

I beg to give notice that on the Post Office Estimates I will draw attention to this matter.

asked the Post master-General whether he is aware of a promise made in this House by a former Postmaster-General to have the office at Longford remodelled so as to give the public greater facilities for attention and the quick despatch of business; whether he is aware that by setting the counter at right angles to its present position the business could be divided into three parts and not, as at present, have all done in one narrow space; and whether he proposes to direct this to be done?

Proposals for rearranging the Longford Post Office are nearly settled. They provide for an extension of the counter, which will give more accommodation for the public than would be available under the arrangement suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Post master-General whether any attempt will, be made to give a daily motor service between Longford and Strokestown in which passengers could be carried for a nominal charge?

I have ascertained that the cost of substituting a motor for a horse-drawn vehicle for the conveyance of mails between Longford and Strokes- town would be unjustifiable. It is not within my province to provide for the conveyance of passengers, nor have I any funds for that purpose.

asked what is the cause of the delay in filling the office of postmaster at Longford; whether any advertisement of the vacancy has yet been issued and what replies have been received; and when an appointment will be made?

The vacant post-mastership of Longford was advertised in due course on the 6th January last. Some unavoidable delay was occasioned in dealing with the various applications, but an appointment has now been made.

asked whether it is still proposed to keep Longford postal district in the northern district; whether he is aware that, under this arrangement, much inconvenience has been caused by the inaccessibility of the surveyors, who reside mainly in Belfast; and will the old arrangement of attachment to the Dublin district be revived?

There is a misapprehension on this subject—a misapprehension which two of my predecessors have endeavoured to remove in answers to the hon. Member's questions in March, 1904, and March, 1907. Longford was transferred to the northern district in 1903, not from the Dublin district but from the midland district; the headquarters of the northern district are not in Belfast but are in Dublin, and none of the surveying staff reside in Belfast. I can see no reason for any change.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now see his way to establish a penny post between this country and France?

I regret that I am not in a position to make such a proposal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in communication with the French Postmaster-General on the matter?

I am not, personally.

asked the Post master-General whether, under the new arrangements for the conveyance of West- bound mails, under which the contract to embark them at Queenstown has been cancelled, the Cunard steamship "Lusitania" made her first trip direct from Liverpool to New York on the 28th ultimo at 2.30 p.m.; whether she did not reach New York until Thursday, too late for letters to be forwarded from New York on that day; whether the departure at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday the 28th necessitated the American mails being posted throughout the United Kingdom on Friday the 27th ultimo; whether this occasions the complete loss of a business day without any corresponding gain; whether this is to be allowed to continue; and whether he can state to the House that there is any prospect of Cunard vessels in future being able to leave Liverpool punctually at 2.30 on Saturdays or at any fixed hour on that day?

The "Lusitania" left Liverpool at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday the 28th ultimo, and is reported to have reached the Ambrose lightship at 1.30 a.m. on Friday the 6th instant; but her arrival at the Quarantine Station, New York was delayed until 8.10 a.m. by a snowstorm. The mails reached New York Post Office at 10.24 a.m.; but I have not yet received information of the hour of delivery of correspondence in New York or of the hour of dispatch of the mails for places beyond New York. The correspondence included in the mails conveyed by the "Lusitania" had to be posted on Friday night in all parts of the United Kingdom except Liverpool, Manchester, and places in the vicinity of these towns. The navigation of the Mersey by the large Cunard steamers being restricted to some extent by tidal conditions, no fixed sailing hour can be adhered to with absolute regularity though every effort will be made to ensure it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a Committee to inquire into all the circumstances connected with the refusal of the Cunard Company to carry out its contract?

I have, I think, stated the reasons fully and without reserve, and there is nothing which a Committee could ascertain which is not already in the possession of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep an open mind on the subject.

Have the Cunard Company any control over weather and tides?

That hardly appears to require an answer.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Cork was due to the fact that infection was brought to Cork from Birkenhead?

I am informed that there is no evidence at present to show definitely how the outbreak of the disease in Cork originated.

Can the right hon. Gentleman now say whether the fair at Naas can be held on the 18th as usual?

It has been decided it cannot be held.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware it has been announced in this House that the Report of the Inquiry Committee in connection with Birkenhead would not be issued until the officials of his Department have given their consent to its terms? When does he propose to allow that consent to be given?

Correspondence is now going on, and the two Commissioners have been unable to agree up to the present.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the length of time which has elapsed since the last case of foot-and-mouth disease in Kildare was dealt with, he is now in a position to remove all restrictions on the movement of cattle in the county?

The Department are keeping the position in regard to county Kildare carefully in view, and if nothing adverse occurs meanwhile it is hoped by the end of this week to withdraw the restrictions which still apply to reduced areas round Naas and Ballysax. Restrictions regarding the premises where the disease appeared will, however, continue for a further period.

asked the President of the Board of. Education how many elementary education authorities in England and Wales have availed themselves of facilities afforded them by present enactments for building school clinics, and to what extent, and the effect, if any, beneficial or otherwise, to the scholars; whether the Monmouthshire education authority has done anything in this direction, and, if so, to what extent; how many children in the elementary schools of Monmouthshire require treatment for vision and teeth alone; and how long will it take to deal with the number requiring treatment at the present time arising out of the aforestated causes?

The number of local education authorities in England and Wales that have established school clinks for the treatment of children attending public elementary schools is 115. The total number of clinics is, approximately, 200. The reports of the school medical officers show that in a large percentage of cases the treatment has been effective. The Monmouthshire education authority have established a clinic at Newport for treating defects of eyesight. They have under consideration the establishment of further school clinics. It was estimated in the School Medical Officer's Report for 1912 that the number of children in the area between seven and eight years with defective vision was 1,294 out of 10,535, or 12.3 per cent.; and that the number of children between five and eight years with defective teeth was 22,242 out of 22,683, or 98 per cent. I am, of course, not responsible for these figures, nor am I in a position to say how long it will take to deal with these cases.

asked what steps are being taken to nominate a Scottish Advisory Board under the Ancient Monuments Act; and when he expects to be in a position to announce the names of its members?

The First Commissioner hopes to be able to publish the names of the Scottish as well as the English and Welsh Advisory Boards in a short time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many local authorities have, during outbreaks of measles, given effect to the Board's circular of April, 1911, and provided the medical officer of health with an adequate staff, including additional assistants, and how many have failed to do so?

I regret that the information in my possession does not enable me to give the particulars for which the bon. Member asks.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what were the rates of increase in the population in rural districts in England and Wales; and what was the actual increase in the number of the rural population in 1901 and 1911, respectively?

The figures of 1901 show a decrease in the population in rural districts in England and Wales of 637,533, or 7.9 per cent. on those of the previous Census, and the figures of 1911 an increase of 438,068, or 5.9 per cent. over 1901. It must be noted that the rural districts, both in 1901 and 1911, have a less area than those of the preceding Census.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer that there has been an increase in 1911, may I ask if his attention has been called to the statement of the Prime Minister at the National Liberal Club that in view of the steady decline of the rural population he was supporting the land campaign?

I think the hon. and learned Member is confusing the agricultural population with the population in the rural districts. "Rural districts" has a technical meaning: it means districts under a rural authority, and includes a great number of mining districts, the population of which has been rapidly increasing.