asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of Messrs. Easton and Gibbs, contractors, at South Queen's Ferry Naval Base, to employ only Dutchmen on the works; and whether, in order to better safeguard official secrets, he will consider the desirability that British workmen should be employed on this Admiralty contract?

The employment of about fifty Dutchmen on a portion of the dredging and reclamation work was only approved after the contractor had satisfied the Admiralty that all reasonable alternatives for employing British labour had been exhausted, and that serious delay and loss would otherwise occur in the completion of the work. No official secrets can be learnt by those engaged in these dredging operations.

asked what is the strength in battleships of the Fourth Battle Squadron based on Gibraltar at the present moment?

Four battleships are based on Gibraltar at present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether the New Zealand battleship is inside the standard of sixteen to ten; and (2) whether he will give the House the number of battle cruisers and armoured cruisers which, in the opinion of the Government, is sufficient to support British interests in the Mediterranean during the years 1913 and 1914; and will he say what will be the strength in battleships of the "Dreadnought" class in the navies of Austria-Hungary and Italy in 1915?

I have nothing to add to the full statement I made to the House yesterday.

Is it not the fact that the New Zealand ship was given to this country not for the purpose of being used solely in European waters?

No, the New Zealand ship was given to this country for general service wherever the interests of the Empire require it.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman receive a message from the New Zealand Government saying that that is not the case?

Before the "New Zealand" was posted to the Home Fleet the New Zealand Government expressed their agreement with the course proposed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that what I refer to is a recent message from the New Zealand Government?

asked is the number of Royal Marines borne on the 3rd March, 1913, and on the 10th March,1914?

The number of Royal Marines borne on the 3rd March, 1913, were:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps, if any, have been taken by the Imperial Government to carry out the arrangements made with the Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand in 1909; whether he has received from the Commonwealth Government and the Government of New Zealand any communication deprecating that the arrangements entered into by the Imperial Government in 1909 have not been carried out; and what, if any, steps it is proposed to take to make good the undertaking given?

The spirit of the arrangement made in 1909 was that the Admiralty should maintain an Eastern Fleet of double the strength of the Australian Fleet unit. Broadly speaking, this has been done, although the anticipations of 1909 have not been fulfilled as regards types of ships. Inquiries on the subject have been received both from Australia and New Zealand, and explanations have been given. The future development of British naval policy in the Pacific and the Far East must undoubtedly form the subject matter of further discussion with the Dominions interested. Papers will shortly be laid touching upon the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when that discussion will take place?

No.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not received a message both from Australia and New Zealand respecting a conference to discuss these matters? Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer?

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly put down a question?

asked if Sunday is observed as a rest-day in the Navy, apart from absolutely essential duties; if men called upon to work on that day have some other day given them for rest and recreation; or if, as regards ships in commission, the lower deck ratings work practically a seven-day week?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the necessary work is divided amongst the various officers and men as far as possible. I cannot see what good purpose is served by the insinuation in the third part of the question, which is entirely incorrect.

If that is entirely incorrect, may I ask for a correct reply to the last part of the question?

asked if any experiments are being made with Mr. Calvert's suggestion that floating buoys should be carried on submarines with telephones and wire attachment to the interior of the submarine, so that in the event of an accident the crew can communicate with the salvors by means of this buoy?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Tonbridge on Monday last.

Is that particular point under consideration?

Yes, almost every day. I think we have received several hundreds of suggestions of which this particular one was repeated numerous times.

asked how many protected and unarmoured cruisers have been completed for the British and German Navies, respectively, from 1906 on wards; and how many in the same period have been removed from the effective list?

The numbers of protected and unarmoured cruisers completed from 1906 onwards are:—

Is it satisfactory to the right hon. Gentleman that while we have reduced this class of cruiser by twenty-two Germany has increased hers by ten, making a difference of thirty-two-against us?

The aspect of affairs, as the hon. Member is well aware, would not have been nearly so satisfactory if I had not added the last portion of my answer which was not called for in hon. Member's question—the number of ships under construction in both countries.

asked how many torpedo boat destroyers have been completed for the British and German Navies, respectively, from 1906 onwards; and how many in the same period have been removed from the effective list?

The numbers of torpedo boat destroyers completed from 1906 onwards are:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the basis adopted for estimating the number of the personnel in 1913–14 differs from that of previous years; if so, what the number of petty officers and men of the seamen and stoker classes, respectively, would be, and the total strength of the personnel, if the method of reckoning had been the same as in previous years?

There was a change of system, which I explained in Debate, and in my answer to the hon. Member for Devonport on 21st April last. Vote "A" for 1913–14 shows the maximum number to be reached by the 31st March, 1914, namely, 146,000. In previous years it showed the average number borne throughout the year, which is only of importance for estimating their pay. This average for 1913–14 would be about 142,500. The actual strength of seamen, including boys, on the 31st March next will be approximately 54,400, and of stokers 39,400.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the limits of the blockade of Hodeidah during the war between Italy and Turkey?

The hon. Member will find the exact particulars which he requires in the notices published in the "London Gazette" of 23rd January, 1912, and 9th April, 1912. They were, in the first notice of 23rd January, which covered Hodeidah, as follows:—"The Italian Government has notified the establishment of a blockade from the 22nd instant (January, 1912) by Italian ships of war, of the Ottoman Red Sea coast between latitude 15deg. 11min. and latitude 14deg. 30min.from Rasisa, north of Hodeidah, to Rasgoulaifac to the south."

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will give the distances from shore to sea?

What I have read gives that information, and the subsequent notice, which I have not read, extends the notice I have read.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any answer with reference to his communications to the British and Portuguese authorities as to the place and procedure for the trial of Mr. Bowskill?

In a note addressed to His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon by the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs his Excellency said, "that in regard to the trial of Mr. Bowskill and the place where it will be held, His Majesty's Government may rest assured that the Portuguese Government will take care, as is their duty, that all formalities will be observed in order to guarantee full justice. Should military officers be included in the tribunal, the guarantees of a fair trial will be in no way lessened thereby. The sittings of the tribunal will be public, and the British Consul can therefore be present at them." This information was contained in a telegram received on the 17th instant from His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon. Meanwhile the Acting British Consul at Boma has stated that he will repeat his attempt to reach San Salvador as soon as possible. He is in close touch with His Majesty's Consul at Loanda.

Will Mr. Bowskill have legal assistance, in addition to the British Consul being able to attend?

I said that the law in regard to the trial includes the provision of legal assistance for an accused person. We are assured that the proper thing will be done in this case.

Will legal assistance be available?

We have made representations that the trial should be at a place where all proper assistance will be available.?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of East Africa has altered the sites of certain of its public buildings at Nairobi, after publishing them on official plans and thereby inducing settlers to build in the vicinity at enhanced rates of tenancy: whether complaints have been made of this procedure; whether the Government proposes to makes redress in resultant cases of admitted hardship; and whether, in the interests of public confidence in official town planning, he will cause the practice to be discontinued?

The hon. Member's question refers no doubt to the site of the Law Courts at Nairobi. The site originally approved by the Governor was criticised by the unofficial community on the ground of inconvenience, and an alternative site was chosen by the late Commissioner of Lands, and was marked by him on published plans. Neither the site nor the publication were approved by the late Governor, who, in view of the representations of the Chief Justice, decided, after inquiring into possible cases of hardship, to revert to the original site. Subsequently he agreed to hold the matter over for further consideration, but refused to commit himself as to the final choice. A third site has since been selected, and is accepted as satisfactory by all sections of the community. I have recently received a complaint as to the abandonment of the second site, but on the information in my possession I am unable to admit that any case for redress exists.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information with regard to a Dervish raid upon Berbera; and whether he can state to the House what steps the Colonial Office has taken to protect the British subjects and tribes men friendly to Great Britain in Berbera and district?

A descent was made on Berbera on the night of the 12th by a party of about forty Dervish horse, who fired into the town and immediately withdrew. Two Somali townsmen were wounded, but no other material damage was done in the town. It appears that the force was an independent one, and not a detachment of a larger Dervish force. I am confident that the Acting Commissioner will take suitable steps for the protection of Berbera and district.

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any information as to the character of the telegraph agency engaged at Aden? We have habitually grossly exaggerated accounts of these occurrences in the British Press.

It is not for me to criticise the correspondence that appears in the Press.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the posts at Sheikh and Burou have now been reoccupied, and what is the strength of the garrison at Berbera?

According to my information there is not the slightest foundation for this ludicrous statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give a more definite answer to the last part of my question?

No, Sir, I cannot.

asked whether about I twenty men, many of long service, in the direct employ of the Royal Engineers works department at Dover, are to be discharged; and, if so, whether the intention is that work formerly done by direct employment is in future to be given out to contract?

The answer, on both points, is that the question is still under consideration. The notices given have been suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he intends to discharge the various staffs engaged on the War Office buildings in garrison towns, such as carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, painters, fitters, labourers, etc., most of whom are Service men who are employed directly by the War Office on repairs and some on construction work, and to let all such work to the contractor; and, if so, will he reconsider the matter in the interest of the directly employed men?

It has been decided, for reasons of economy and administration, that at certain stations, in the new triennial contracts for works services, all jobbing work under £100 shall be performed by the contractor. On other work there is power in the contract to employ men directly. I am inquiring as to the effect of this in relation to discharges.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will be good enough to receive a deputation from the men? Some of these men have been employed more than twenty years, and now they will be thrown on the mercy of the world if you discharge them?

I have stated in my reply that I am going carefully into the question of the discharges. The amount of labour will be exactly the same. There will be no diminution of that.

Will the hon. Gentleman say that he will consult all other Members whose constituents are interested in similar questions?

Certainly, I will be glad to consider any representation made by any Member who represents any place interested.

Will the hon. Gentleman receive a deputation from the men?

Yes, I will, certainly, if there is a desire that a deputation should be received.

Will the hon. Gentleman have the notices withdrawn for the present?

Are we to understand that these long service men are to be discharged and thrown on the mercy of the contractor? These old soldiers were promised these jobs on their original enlistment. Now, in the latter part of their lives, they are to be thrown out. The contractor will not take them on.

I will be glad to discuss this matter with the hon. Gentleman.

Will the hon. Gentleman say that he will have the notices suspended until this matter has been discussed?

I cannot say across the floor of the House that this will be done, but, as I have said, we are considering the whole matter.

asked what is the total amount paid for lodging allowance in the Aldershot command to warrant officers, non - commissioned officers, and men, during the past five years?

To give this figure would require a re-examination of the vouchers of the accounts for five years past. This would involve prolonged labour, and I trust therefore that my hon. Friend will not press for the information.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the recognition of conscientious objection to vaccination by members of His Majesty's Territorial Forces has led to any pronounced prevalence of small-pox amongst them; and, if not, will he give orders for also respecting conscientious objection on the part of recruits for and members of the Regular Forces?

No information is available as to the prevalence, or otherwise, of small-pox throughout the year amongst Territorial soldiers. No cases, however, so far as is known, have occurred during the camp period. Regular soldiers contract on enlistment to undergo vaccination or re-vaccination.

asked why it was found necessary to perform 4,806 primary vaccinations on the children of soldiers in 1912, seeing that only 2,747 such operations were carried out in 1911?

The figures given in the Report on the health of the Array for 1912 include the Army abroad as well as at home. Previously only those for the United Kingdom were given. The figure for 1912 corresponding to that for 1911, as stated in the question, is 2,826.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether his attention has been called to the case of hon. Lieutenant and Quartermaster George Harlowe Martin, who took his life at Devizes barracks, on the 11th instant, and to the bumming up of the coroner at the inquest, to the effect that the deceased officer's mind was unhinged, or at any rate disturbed, by inn having been recalled from Gibraltar, four months ago, to report himself at Knights-bridge barracks, where the defendants in the Canteen Inquiry were confined, and kept at the depot where he had no work to keep him employed, whilst he had a wife and four children dependent upon him at Gibraltar; will he say whether any charges were preferred against him during the whole of this time; whether there are any non-commissioned officers now at the depôt under similar conditions; and whether he will take steps to see that the charges, if any, are formulated forthwith, or that the officers in question are exonerated and permitted to rejoin their battalions?

Lieutenant and Quartermaster Martin was ordered home from Gibraltar in connection with the Canteen irregularities. During the consideration of the case he was attached to a unit in London in order that he might be available if his presence was required. He was never under arrest. With regard to the other parts of the question I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on Monday to a question on this subject put by the hon. and learned Member for the Isle of Thanet.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, this soldier was sent home from Gibraltar, and told to report himself to the commanding officer of the 3rd battalion of Grenadier Guards for the purpose of bring placed under arrest; and is he aware that he was never placed under arrest, that no charge whatsoever was made against him, but that he was allowed to have a suspicion hanging over him for four months without ever being informed why he was sent home?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on a similar point before.

Is the hon. Member aware that this is not an isolated case?

Will the hon. Member say whether another officer who has been ordered home from India will have his case looked into at once, so that he will not be in the same position of having no charge brought against him during four months?

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to the answer. If the hon. Member will put down a question it will be answered.

I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter on Tuesday evening on the Adjournment, or the hon. Member (Mr. Peto) on whose behalf I asked the question will do so.

asked whether, taking into consideration that the work and duties whilst in camp of gunners of horse batteries of the Territorial Force are of a character equally exacting as that of the Yeomen, he will grant to the gunners the same allowance as to the Yeomen, namely, 30s. for full fifteen days' attendance in camp?

Until the present time the Yeomanry who attended camp for eight days received a special allowance of £1, known as the Equitation Bounty, members of horse batteries receiving nothing. For the future the former will receive 30s. and the latter £1.

asked how many flying, apart from administrative, officers there are in the five effective squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps, Military Wing?

There are seventy-five officers in these squadrons, of whom all are flying officers, and none are engaged on administrative work alone.

asked the history of BE 204, upon which Captain Allen and Lieutenant Burroughs were killed, stating what previous mishaps it has had and when it has been repaired, and when inspected other than by officers of the squadron?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies given yesterday to questions put by the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division, and to the undertaking which my right hon. Friend then gave to supplement his answers by a full statement on the first possible day.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Army Votes on Monday.

asked the number of officer fliers on the 1st March, 1914; of that number how many were on active service; how many in the Reserve and Special Reserve; and of the number on active service how many hold non-flying posts or have not flown since the 1st January, 1914?

The total number of officers actively employed in the Reserve, under training and awaiting courses, is 197.

asked how many machines of the FE 2 type, upon which Mr. Haynes was killed at Wittering, are in the possession of the Royal Flying Corps or in course of construction?

The answer is, None.

asked how much of the £1,000,000 in the Army Estimates for aviation is for the Central Flying School, for the Royal Aircraft Factory, for the actual squadrons, and for head quarters administration, respectively?

The approximate figures are:—

asked whether seniority and promotion in the Royal Flying Corps go by Army rank or corps rank—that is to say, whether a captain in the Army, who has just taken his flying certificate, coming to-day into the Royal Flying Corps, would take rank there above officers junior to him in the Army who have been working in the corps for, say, two years?

In each grade of the Military Wing officers rank according to their seniority—permanent or temporary— in the Army. Promotion to higher grades in the wing is by selection.

asked whether there is only one ex-civilian in Course V. of the Central Flying School for the Military Wing and more than half the Naval Wing there are ex-civilians; and, if so, what is the reason?

asked whether, in view of the shortage of officers in the Regular Army, the War Office is encouraging or discouraging civilian pilots from joining the military wing for continuous service?

As stated, only one ex-civilian is attending Course V. The reason is that the majority of the civilian applicants for commissions in the Military Wing desire Reserve service only, whereas, until the Military Wing has been brought up to strength, it is necessary to restrict attendance almost entirely to officers who are prepared to undertake continuous service. Eight ex-civilians will attend the next course.

Has the hon Gentleman any figures to show that the majority of civilians desire Reserve service and not continuous service?

I cannot give any figures.

asked how many of the Reserve officers of the Royal Flying Corps are Army officers who qualified for the Reserve but who have done no flying since and who have never formed part of an active squadron; and how many are civilians who have been recommended for continuous service but are not yet absorbed?

The answer to the first part of the question is four, and to the second part one. The officer in question will shortly be posted to the Military Wing.

asked how many of the civilian officers who were selected by the War Office for Course IV. at the Central Flying School, and recommended thence for continuous service, are still unabsorbed, and what is the reason?

Of the two ex-civilian officers recommended for continuous service from the Central Flying School, one was posted to the Military Wing and one to the Reserve. The latter will shortly be posted to the Military Wing.

asked the figures of recruiting and also of discharges in the East Lancashire Territorial Association for the last two years amongst the non-commissioned officers and men, and for each month of the present year; and whether it is possible to take further steps to make the Force better known, and to increase the numbers for recruiting the Territorials in East Lancashire?

The answer to the first part of this question contains a long list I of figures which, with the hon. Gentle-man's permission, I will circulate with the Votes. In answer to the last part of the question, special efforts to stimulate recruiting have recently been made by the county association with, a very gratifying measure of success.—[ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked whether, if a commanding officer recommends a warrant officer or non-commissioned officer for appointment to a vacancy for quartermaster in the battalion under his command, and that recommendation is endorsed by the officer in charge of records, there commendation will be given effect to?

On the occurrence of a vacancy in a regiment all the candidates who have been recommended by their commanding officers are considered, and the best man is selected.

In view of the great value which is placed on the personal responsibility of the commanding officer, is it not desirable that he should have a light of veto in the selection of a man for this vacancy?

That consideration, of course, counts for a great deal, but it must not exclude all other considerations.

Can the hon. Gentleman assure us that the commanding officer will at all events have some voice?

The commanding officer's opinion naturally counts for a great deal when the matter comes up for decision.

asked the Under-Secretary for India the total amount, if any, of gold bills and transfers payable in London sold by the Government of India in exchange for rupees in India during the last twelve months, and if the price was ever lower than a fraction over 15 rupees for the sovereign; and the total amount of council bills and transfers sold by the India Office during the same period against rupees payable in India, and if the price was ever low or than a fraction under 15 rupees for the sovereign?

No sterling bills or transfers payable in London have been sold during the past twelve months. The amount of bills and transfers on India sold during that period has been, in round figures, 4,585½ lakhs of rupee, realising £30,700,600. The lowest price was 1s. 3–16d. per rupee, for bills.

asked the total amount of metallic gold held by the Government of India in London in the Paper Currency Reserve and in the Gold Standard Reserve; what is approximately the loss to Indian revenues annually calculated on the basis of the present holdings, by the policy of not investing these reserves even upon the security of the highest class of particularised scrip and in the form of short loans; and if it is the intention of the Government of India to increase still further these liquid gold reserves in view of the heavy loss in which they already involve the Indian taxpayer?

The total amount of gold now held in the two reserves in London is £10,420,000. At the rate of interest earned in the past year by the interest-bearing portion of the Gold Standard Reserve, £10,420,000 would earn £350,361 per annum. But of the gold in question £6,100,000, which is part of the Paper Currency Reserve, could not, under the existing Indian Currency Law, be held otherwise than in metallic form. It was decided in 1912 to increase the amount of gold in the Gold Standard Reserve up to £5,000,000. The question whether, and by how much, it shall be further increased is under consideration with reference to the recommendations made on the subject by the Royal Commission on Indian Finance and Currency.

Is it conceivable that in a severe financial crisis in London Indian gold would be employed for the purposes of the Bank of England on the plea that thereby the interests of India would be saved great danger?

No. I think that it is not conceivable that these reserves belonging to India would be used except in the interests of India-herself.

asked what the condition of the United Provinces is as regards famine; is it anticipated that the loss of the spring harvest and of cattle will be heavy; and what steps are being taken to counteract the possible general distress?

I regret to say that the autumn crops were deficient owing to short rainfall in the southern and western parts of the United Provinces and that a serious shortage in the more valuable spring crops is apprehended, though the situation has improved by recent falls of rain in a good many districts. Distress is anticipated over about one-quarter of the area of the province, and relief operations are already being actively prosecuted in four districts in the south-west, containing a population of two and a quarter millions, where 57,000 persons are reported to be on relief works, and 73,000 in receipt of gratuitous relief. Fodder crops have suffered especially, and serious loss of cattle is anticipated. The steps taken by the Government include liberal suspensions of revenue, distribution of gratuitous relief to the aged, the young and the infirm, an enlarged programme of ordinary public works, and the opening of other works under the regulations of the Relief Code.

Is any large proportion of the extension of the plague considered to have been the result of this scarcity?

I do not think that any connection can be traced. The plague returns in the United Provinces are worse than they were last year, but better than the year before, when there was no famine.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether owners of fixed plant and machinery are held to be liable to Increment Value Duty when they sell such plant and machinery at a price which is, in the opinion of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, higher than the open market value?

The sale of fixed plant and machinery, apart from land, does not create an occasion for collection of Increment Value Duty.

Have there been no such cases?

Certainly not, apart from the land.

What is the position when it is sold with the land?

It is part and parcel of the property. There can be no increment in the value of the machinery. It must be in the value of the land.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say why commercial travellers, using motor cars for the purpose of carrying out the duties of their business, are not allowed the same abatement on their petrol as is granted to medical men in the like circumstances?

All users of trade motors are entitled to a rebate of half the duty on their petrol under the conditions specified in the 5th Schedule to the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and commercial travellers in common with other traders are eligible for this rebate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state what was the amount paid under the National Insurance Act by employers, by employed, and by the State up to the 31st of last December; if he can say what was paid out in sick and other benefits; how much was paid to doctors and. chemists; how much was paid in administering the Act and collecting the money up to the same date; and how much money was in hand at the same date?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham on the 18th February, and to my hon. Friend the Member for North Westmeath on the 2nd instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the deduction of a sum of £1 3s. 6d. for health insurance from the payment of £9 received by a mercantile apprentice named Prichard in respect of a voyage of twenty-three months' duration was made under the provisions of the National Insurance Act; if so, under what Section; by whom the deduction was made; and if Prichard received any and, if so, what benefits in respect of such contributions, which represent such a large percentage of his wages?

It is not possible to state precisely the amount of the employed contributor's share of the contributions without information as to the exact dates on which the voyage began and ended. The special provisions applicable to the contributions of foreign-going seamen (including apprentices) are contained in Section 48 (2) of the National Insurance Act, 1911. The deductions were presumably made by the employer, who has the same right of recovering the employed contributor's share of the contributions from wages as other employers. I have no information on the point referred to in the last part of the question, but it is of course always possible under any system of insurance to select cases in which over a given period premiums have been paid without any benefits being received.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he agrees that, in these circumstances, a man who has paid his premiums should be without any chance of getting benefit therefrom?

Not without any chance of receiving benefit, but that he is not actually receiving benefit.

How is it possible that a man at sea twenty-three mouths can have a panel doctor allocated to him, and how can he get medical attendance?

If the hon. Member reads Section 48 of the Act he will see that medical attendance is not given at sea; it is given under the Merchant Shipping Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that, according to a return obtained by the St. Pancras guardians, there are twenty-one insured persons suffering from phthisis in the St. Pancras workhouse infirmary; and whether the Government will introduce amending legislation to enable the ratepayers to be recouped the expenditure in such cases?

My right hon. Friend has no information in regard to the first part of the question, and I am unable to make any statement as to the second part.

Will the hon. Gentleman allow me to furnish him with a copy of the Return referred to in the question, and will the Government take immediate steps to remedy the double injustice of leaving the insured person to receive the benefits for which he has paid at the Poor Law office, at the expense of the ratepayers?

I shall be happy to receive any information the hon. Gentleman likes to furnish as to future legislation. I can make no statement; and as to injustice, when the insured person comes out of the workhouse he will draw his money from the approved society.

Is it not a fact that only five persons applied for sanatorium benefit, and that those in the workhouse infirmary were there because they were destitute and not on account of any failure of the National Insurance Act?

I am glad to learn that. I have simply taken the statement dealt with in the question of the hon. and learned Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received the resolution passed at a public meeting held in Hampstead Town Hall on 10th March, presided over by the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland, which protested against the use of the Mount Vernon Hospital for the vivisection of animals; and will he state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has not seen the resolution referred to in the question, and the Chairman of the Joint Committee has not yet received from the Committee their scheme of research work to be undertaken at the place mentioned, so that he is not yet in a position to consider any matters that might be included in such a scheme.

asked whether the Medical Research Committee under the National Insurance Act has acquired Mount Vernon Hospital, Hampstead; and, if so, whether this hospital is to be used solely for the reception and treatment of tuberculosis patients, or is also to be used for purposes of experimental research, including experiments on living animals?

The answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second paragraph, I cannot yet add anything to the reply I have just given on the same point to the hon. Member for Haggerston.

May I ask if this general insurance fund money is being used for vivisection research?

Under the Act there is a Parliamentary Grant for the purpose of research work.

Is it allowed for vivisection work?

In my answer I stated that the Research Committee has not yet prepared a scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the number of friendly societies who have protested against the Regulations rest riding the places of meeting of friendly societies; and whether he still proposes to enforce the Regulations?

asked whether, in view of the discontent among friendly societies created by the proposed Regulation compelling all approved societies to discontinue meeting at licensed premises, it has been withdrawn?

A proposal to restrict the use of licensed premises by approved societies in England at the end of five years was recently discussed by the Advisory Committee, but no Regulations have been made or laid before Parlia- ment, and no question of withdrawing them therefore arises. As my right hon. Friend has repeatedly stated, no Regulations will in any case be made without previous consultation with societies.

May I ask whether the societies in Wales were consulted before this Regulation was made?

Certainly. On the Advisory Board the Welsh societies have very large representation.

May I ask whether there is any intention of reconsidering the Regulation?

I can only state the facts. I cannot say that we are precluded for ever from making any Regulation.

Is it not the fact that nearly every approved society has protested against this proposal?

Some protests have been received?

Will he say that he will withdraw the proposed Regulation.

A proposed Regulation does not exist.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is taking any, and, if so, what steps to deal with the case of the chemists in Manchester and district; whether they have ever been paid in full for their services under the National Insurance Act, Part I.; whether during 1913 they received in monthly payments never more than 66 per cent. of the total fees due, and in December last as low a percentage as 28 per cent.; whether the deficiency is now £16,000; whether the Commissioners have refused to supply any more money; and whether it is proposed to make good the deficiency from any other source?

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the full replies given to many similar questions on this subject.

May I ask whether the money due to these chemists is not a national obligation?

In the answers to which I have referred, I have stated that we are trying to ascertain whether money is due to the chemists.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has been able to take into consideration the case of insured persons, under Part I. of the National Insurance Act, who desire to have homœopathic treatment when there is no homoeopathic doctor on the panel of the district; and whether he can make any provision for such cases?

It is open to an insured person who desires the services of a homœopathic doctor not on the panel to apply to the insurance committee for leave to make his own arrangements for the purpose.

asked whether the National Insurance Commissioners require production of probate of the will of a deposit contributor before paying out the four-sevenths of the sum to his credit at the date of his death in the event of his not having signed a nomination; and whether in view of the statement on the deposit contributor's card to the effect that if no nomination is made it will be paid to the person entitled to his goods, the Commissioners will dispense with probate the cost of obtaining which exceeds the amount to the credit of the account?

In the absence of a nomination by a deposit contributor the Commissioners are required to make any payment due on death in accordance with the provisions of Section 56 to 61 of the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, as adapted. They are not enabled by these provisions to dispense with the production of probate where a will has been made. If, however, a contributor dies intestate and a grant of letters of administration is not obtained, payment is made to next of kin.

Will the hon. Gentleman have the deposit contributors' cards corrected, so that they may know that their money is to be forfeited unless they go to the expense of probate?

No; the deposit contributor's card states that the money will be paid to a nominee, and urges the deposit contributor to make a nomination.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the cards on which are set out that, "If no nomination is made it will be paid to the person entitled to his goods," and can he not see that the representatives of these people are allowed to get the money?

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

It is on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the case of a juryman who, after serving for nine clays at Lewes assizes this month, applied to Mr. Justice Bray to have his national health insurance card stamped; and will he say who is responsible in such cases for the employer's contribution and for the work man's contribution?

Service on a jury is the performance of a public duty, and is not employment within the meaning of the Act.

Are we to take it that a man serving on a jury has to forfeit benefits, if there are any benefits, under the Insurance Act during such time as he is serving on a jury?

The question whether jurymen should be paid or not is a totally different question, and has nothing to do with the Act.

asked why Mr. Edward Shipsides, of 46, Suez Street, Basford, Nottingham, who has paid insurance tax since the National Insurance Act has been enforced, received 15s. 4d. maternity benefit instead of 30s. on the occasion of his wife being confined of twins?

I am afraid I can only refer the hon. Member to the section of the National Insurance Act, 1911, mentioned in my reply on the 6th instant, under which the insured person in question has received full payment to which he is entitled.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the benefits were halved because the babes were doubled?

The insured person's own contributions amounted to a guinea, and he received in cash 38s. 3d., as well as medical and sanatorium benefit.

But 30s. is due for one baby.

If I bring to the notice of the hon. Gentleman a case where a deposit contributor received only thirteen pence when his wife presented him with twins, will he do what he can to get the other 28s. 11d.?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the valuation department are demanding formal objection, stating the ground of the objection and the amendment desired, in respect of valuations affected by Mr. Justice Scrutton's recent judgment; and whether, seeing that this demand is in direct contradiction to the announced intention of the Government, he will give instructions which will prevent these demands being made and which will ensure an extension of the time for objection, whether applied for or not, from the date of the recent. judgment up to the date when the proper interpretation of the law is finally settled?

No, Sir. Instructions have been given that provisional valuations of agricultural land affected by the judgment should remain open for the present, and that Mr. Justice Scrutton's decision should be carried to appeal, and if there is any such case in which such a demand has been made it must have been done in error. Further directions to guard against this possibility are now being issued.

To all the valuation officers?

Yes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, if the judgment remains, whether the valuation will vary according to the time when in summer the grass is growing and in winter when it does not?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the total value of the property of Mr. Thomas Benson, of Richmond, Yorkshire, who died in October, 1909, was sworn by his executors in the Estate Duty affidavit at £451 odd, of which £347 was the value of cottage property; that the Commissioners of Inland Revenue refused to accept the executors' valuation of the cottage property, and under threat of legal proceedings compelled them to accept the Commissioners' valuation of £715 and to pay additional duty amounting to £13 14s. 10d.; whether he is aware that this duty having been paid by the executors the property was afterwards sold for only £295; that when the executors asked that their original valuation of £347, being more than the sale price realised, should be substituted for the Commissioners' valuation of £715, and the duty refunded the Commissioners replied that they would only reduce the valuation to £540; and whether, in view of these circumstances and of the property of the beneficiary, he will give directions that the estate shall not be put to the expense of an appeal, but the executors' valuation adopted and the duty refunded?

The facts as stated in the first part of the question are correct, the sum of £715 not having been objected to as a provisional valuation. For Death Duty purposes the reduction to £540 has appeared to the Commissioners the greatest that it was possible to make by the light of the further information afforded by the sale. I may point out that this sale took place some years after the death, and that in the interval the property had deteriorated and a notice of alterations and improvements required under the Housing and Town Planning Act had not been complied with. In the circumstances I do not see my way to give the directions suggested by the hon. Member.

Is not the valuation of the executors confirmed by sale a better test?

I do not think the hon. Gentleman listened to the latter part of the answer.

I heard the answer, and I beg to give notice that I will refer to the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a demand made for Increment Value Duty from a widow at Tam-worth living in a house, the annual value of which is less than £16, owing to the fact that she sold the minerals under the house for £5 14s. and had not placed any value on such minerals on Form IV.; and whether, having regard to the small value of her property and her narrow means, he will direct the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to withdraw the claim for Increment Value Duty.

I am informed that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question, but that an application to be allowed to amend Form IV. in respect of the statement as to minerals has just been received by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue who will give it consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he is aware that Dean Farm, Stourmouth, Kent, having been sold in 1913 for £5,450, being £1,800 for the mineral and £3,650 for the surface value, the provisional valuation was subsequently served placing the value of the property at only £3,050, and that the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have notified that a claim of some £360 for Increment Value Duty will be made, being 20 per cent. on the value of the minerals, on the ground that no return was made on Form IV. of the value of the minerals; whether he is aware that the owner of the property is a widow, that the purchase money is practically- her only source of income, and that the combined sale price of minerals and surface is less by £3,150 than the price paid for the property by her father between the years 1866 and 1868; and whether he will direct the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to allow her now to make a return of the value of the minerals.

I am aware of the circumstances alluded to by the hon. Member, but pending the decision on a similar case about to come before the Courts, I see no reason to give the directions suggested.