asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the sum to be contributed by India towards the upkeep of the Navy during the present year?

The sum to be contributed by the Government of India during the current financial year towards the upkeep of the Navy is £164,000.

Is not that the same sum as last year, and does the right hon. Gentleman consider it adequate?

Has the question yet been settled whether the vessels of the Indian Marine are to be armed or not?

I must have notice of that question.

asked whether the guns mounted in trading steamships are regarded as being intended for the purpose of self defence; whether the use of the guns for that purpose would not in fact constitute an offensive act; whether the commanding officers of the vessels in question are commissioned officers in His Majesty's service; and, if not, what would be their position in International Law in the event of the guns being used against a hostile commissioned ship, whether commissioned regularly or by letter of marque?

The guns that have been mounted in some merchant steamships are intended for the purpose of self defence in certain contingencies. These guns if used for self defence would not constitute an offensive act in the sense that the vessel was taking the offensive. The officers commanding the vessels so armed might have commissions as officers of the Royal Naval Reserve, but their position on those vessels would be the same as that of other masters of merchant ships. The intention of this part of the question is not understood. Defence on the part of a belligerent is not in any way contrary to International Law, and therefore the master of a merchant steamship defending herself would not be liable to any special penalty. It may be added that the issue of letters of marque was abolished by the Declaration of Paris.

Am I to understand that if one of these captains in question fires in self defence he would not, in case of capture, be regarded as a privateer?

I think that that is the effect of my answer; but it is a legal question, and I could not, as a layman, attempt to answer such a question without consulting the authorities at my disposal

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to make any statement as to insubordination among the crews of His Majesty's ships "Zealandia," "Newcastle," and "Chatham"?

The report in regard to certain regrettable occurrences on board His Majesty's ship "Zealandia" was only received on Monday, and it is not possible to make any statement on the subject at present. No report of any insubordination on board the "Chatham" has been received. Some case of insubordination occurred amongst the stokers on board the "Newcastle" in December last. Five stokers were punished with sentences of from fourteen to twenty-one days' detention. It was considered by the Commander-in-Chief, China, that the first lieutenant was to blame for his treatment of the stokers as a whole, and he was removed from the "Newcastle." The Board approved of the action of the commander-in-chief.

asked what is the approximate average percentage of boys entered as naval cadets who rise, respectively, to the ranks of lieutenant, commander, captain, and rear-admiral?

The system of common entry has hardly been established long enough to make any very accurate calculation as to the percentage of cadets to reach the rank of lieutenant. An approximate figure, however, is 80 per cent. I am advised that it is not considered desirable to give the remaining information asked for, as figures based on the average promotions of past years might prove very misleading for the future.

asked whether His Majesty's ship "Minotaur" is due for paying off in May of this year, and arrangements were being made to send out her relief crew; whether, on account of the Coronation of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan on the 10th November next, the ship's company will have to remain in the ship until after that date; and, if so, why the ship's company cannot be relieved at their proper date?

The recommissioning of the "Minotaur" has been postponed for six months for reasons which appeared to the Admiralty adequate, and generally for the convenience of the Service. The period of two years for the length of a commission is not a rigid one, and is constantly varied to meet Service requirements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have given orders to dismantle Greenwich Museum; whether they are going to distribute its contents between the various naval and marine establishments; whether they are acting ultra vires,, as they are only tenants of these buildings, seeing that the Greenwich Hospital trustees are the owners; and whether he is aware that the museum was formed by His Majesty King William IV. before the Admiralty took over the building?

I can only refer the Noble Lord to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the First Lord to the hon. Member for Canterbury.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he adheres to the statement made by him last year that the three ships provisionally promised by the Canadian Government as a contribution to the Imperial Navy were absolutely necessary for whole world defence; in what respect, if any, the circumstances which justified the statement at the time have altered since; and whether, had the Canadian Parliament endorsed the proposed contribution, the Naval Estimates for next year would have contained provision for the same number of ships as in fact estimated for?

I have nothing to add to the full statement I made to the House on Tuesday, the 17th March.

Is the House to understand that these ships are necessary?

I have nothing to add to the full statement which I made on Tuesday, the 17th March.

On an important matter like this, can I not ask the First Lord of the Admiralty to give a definite reply to, my question?

I have nothing to add to the full statement which I made on Tuesday, the 17th March.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number and names of completed ships of the "Dreadnought" type that Great Britain will have in Home waters on the 1st of July, 1914, on the 1st of July, 1915, and on the 1st of July, 1916; and the, number and names of completed ships of the "Dreadnought" type that will be possessed by Germany, Austria, and Italy, respectively, at the same dates?

I must refer the hon. Member to the Return standing in the name of my right hon. Friend the Member for North St. Pancras for the numbers and names of completed "Dreadnoughts." The number which will be in Home waters on the dates mentioned will depend on circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Return in question gives no indication as to the dates of completion of ships, and therefore does not give the information which I desire? Further, is he aware that I am only asking him to bring up to date the information which he gave in answer to a question by my Noble Friend the Member for Portsmouth (Lord C. Beresford) a year ago? May I also ask on what grounds he has given similar information to an hon. Member sitting behind him, the Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for War (Mr. G. P. Collins), whilst refusing to give that information to one sitting on this side of the House?

It is certainly not my desire to discriminate at all between Members on this side and Members of the other side of the House. If the hon. Gentleman will furnish me with the question and answer of my hon. Friend who sits behind me I will compare them with his question, and see whether it is proper and fitting that similar information should be given him. I make no distinction in that matter at all. With regard to the general question, I must in the main assert the sufficiency of the documents circulated in the regular course by Return to the House for dealing with the progress of foreign fleets. I supplement that to as full an extent as possible from time to time when statements on the Navy Estimates are made. When the time comes for a further statement on the Navy Estimates I will deal fully with the topic in which the hon. Member very properly takes an interest.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to bringing up to date the information which he afforded last year in answer to a precisely similar question, in order that we may have the facts before us prior to the Debate?

I have some objection to committing myself to the dates when ships will be finished. Sometimes, if I take a sanguine view, it is found to be falsified; if, on the other hand, I indicate that certain delays have occurred, it gives more information to foreign countries about the progress of our ship-building than we are able to obtain from any foreign parliament with regard to their progress.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any further statement with regard to the next Hague Conference; and whether any steps have yet been taken to nominate a British committee to consider proposals to lay before the conference?

The position at present is that a reply is being given to the proposal of the Government of the United States of America to which I referred in the answer to the hon. Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow on the 23rd of last month. This reply is generally favourable to their suggestion as to the preparation of the programme of the conference. But, as it is understood that other suggestions on the same subject may shortly be made, His Majesty's Government have not at this stage come to any final decision as to the composition of the body to which this work should be entrusted. With regard to the second part of the question, a definite scheme for setting up a national committee at an early date is under consideration.

Has the Government taken into consideration, or are they willing to take into consideration, the question of popular representation, or representation of organised labour, on the national committee?

I do not know if it has been considered, but we shall be very glad to consider anything the hon. Member may put to the committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what is the rate of royalty paid by the owners of the phosphate monopoly in the Gilbert Islands; what amount was yielded by it in the last completed year, and when that rate was fixed; and, in view of the poverty of the natives and the direct taxation levied upon them, whether he can see his way to increase the royalty levied upon so profitable an industry?

The royalty fixed in 1901 was 6d. a ton, but it has been raised to 1s. a ton as from 1st July, 1912. The amount received by the Protectorate Government during the financial year ending 30th June, 1913, was £4,423, based on the old 6d. rate, and £4,743 has since been paid in respect of the same financial year on account of the additional royalty. I cannot admit that the taxation of the natives is excessive.

asked what steps are being taken by the authorities of Nigeria to prevent the carriage of spirits by Government railways up to points so close to the boundaries of Northern Nigeria as to make the smuggling of spirits into that prohibitory area a matter comparatively easy to accomplish?

The carriage of trade spirits by the Nigerian railway is prohibited beyond Ikirum, and recently through rates on such spirits beyond Ibaden have been abolished, and local rates between Ibadan and Ikirum have been raised to 50 per cent, over the highest class rates.

asked on what grounds Mr. Willoughby Osborne, some time Chief Justice of Southern Nigeria, was relieved of his duties; whether he has been given another appointment; and if so, what?

On the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria the two Supreme Courts were to be replaced by one, and Sir Edwin Speed (hitherto Chief Justice of Northern Nigeria) having been selected for the post of Chief Justice of the new Supreme Court, it became necessary to retire the other Chief Justice (Mr. Osborne) on pension. I have not, so far, been able to offer Mr. Willoughby Osborne another appointment.

May I assume from that reply that it is the intention, if possible, to give Mr. Osborne another appointment?

It would perhaps be unfair to express an intention that I might not be able to fulfil; but it is certainly my hope that I may be able to do so.

asked whether the posts at Sheikh and Burao, in Somaliland, are now occupied by British garrisons; and, if so, in what strength?

According to my latest information there were 350 camel constabulary and 200 Indian contingent at Sheikh, but one company of the constabulary has been called in by the Commissioner to Berbera in consequence of the recent Dervish raid. There is no garrison at Burao.

asked what is the strength and composition of the present garrison of Berbera; whether the official quarter only is defended; whether the water supply of that quarter can be easily cut, and whether the native town, which is three-quarters of a mile distant, is practically undefended; and what steps it is proposed to take to protect the supply and to prevent the native town being harried by further raids?

The present garrison consists of 260 Carnatic Infantry, with one company of the Camel Corps. I have no knowledge of the actual disposition of the troops in the town itself, but, in order to minimise the possibility of a recurrence of a raid, outposts are being established at suitable places in the neighbourhood, and steps are being taken to obtain 200 additional troops from Aden, pending the arrival of the new draft of 200 men for the Indian Contingent, which is due within two months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any complaints of changes introduced by the Government of East Africa in the official town-planning arrangements for Nairobi whereby settlers were induced to build on sites near public buildings, which were afterwards erected elsewhere?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Brentford on the 18th of March. I have received no other complaints.

asked whether, under any recent legislation in Australia, a woman retains her nationality even when she marries a foreigner?

I am not aware of any such legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the possibility of a General Election, he will take steps to see that troops are not removed, as frequently has happened heretofore, from one constituency to another in such a way as to make it impossible or difficult for soldiers who have the Parliamentary vote to record it in the constituencies in which they are qualified to vote?

Moves of troops are arranged some time in advance on a definite programme fixed to meet military requirements, and I cannot undertake to modify such arrangements to meet circumstances that cannot always be foreseen.

Arising out of that question, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is now Secretary of State for War?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the figures in the official Field Service Pocket Book, 1913, page 245, giving the range of the French field gun at 9,000 yards, Austrian 6,800 yards, Krupp 6,600 yards, and Sweden 7,650 yards, are correct; and, if so, how do they compare with the range of the British field gun?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave yesterday to a question put to me by the hon. and gallant Member for the Andover Division.

Does the hon. Gentleman know that that reply in no way answers the question on the Paper, and will the hon. Gentleman find out the reply and let the House have it in due course?

I do not agree with the hon. Member. I think it is an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give an answer with regard to the stoppage of flying pay due to an officer who recently had an accident at the Royal Flying School, about which he is inquiring into?

Flying pay automatically stops after a certain period of leave and sick leave. The question of a gratuity or pension would depend upon the report of a medical board as to the degree of the officer's injury. In the case in question this point has not yet been determined, but the officer will receive every consideration compatible with the regulations, and will not suffer by any deferring of the decision as to whether he should be entitled to gratuity.

Are we really to understand that when an officer of the Royal Flying Corps is injured in the discharge of his duties of flying that his flying pay is stopped at once?

Only after a certain period.

Is the pay stopped for any period if he is still disabled by an accident met with in the discharge of his duty?

The question of pension and gratuity comes in.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the flying pay of this officer was stopped from the very day that the accident took place, 3rd February, and continued stopped during February and March?

I will make inquiries into that, but I hardly think that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to begin the cottage building at Farnborough for which he is taking £10,000 in this year's Estimates; and how many he expects to build?

It is intended to obtain tenders as soon as possible after 1st April. There will be forty-five quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether application was made for a boys' camp to be held at Portsdown Hill, near Fort Purbrook, from 10th April till 13th April; if so, whether by the regulations an agreement has to be prepared, and a charge of 1s. a day for every twenty-five boys or under made; whether 1s. is charged for an Inland Revenue stamp on the agreement; and whether the Army Council can see their way to waive such charges when applications are made for the use of War Department land by Boys' Brigades and Boy Scout troops?

Inquiries are being made. I will communicate the result to the Noble Lord.

asked on how many occasions the military have been called out in connection with labour disputes during the past seven years; whether any officers resigned in connection therewith; and, if so, how many?

During the last seven years there have been approximately twelve such occasions. I am not aware that any officers resigned.

Will the hon. Gentleman state how often the military were called out by the Unionist party in the previous Administration in riots?

I do not know.

"Not once." "Never."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received the Report of Sir Edward Ward's Committee on the subject of the industrial education and employment of discharged soldiers; whether he can state the date on which the Report was signed; and for what purpose, if any, he is delaying the issue of the Report as a Parliamentary Paper?

This Report, which is dated 29th January last, has been received and, as has already been explained to the House, it is not intended to issue it until Sir Matthew Nathan's Committee, to which it has been referred, has made its Report.

Are we to understand that the Committee is really purposely delaying this Report being issued—and understood—to the public and the Members of this House?

Oh no, not at all.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the list of warrant officers and staff-sergeants in the Cavalry, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Army Service Corps, and Infantry who have been recommended by their officers for commission, and have been unable to secure such promotion?

If the hon. Member is referring to the operation of the new Regulations published on 1st January last, the answer is that only two candidates have expressed a desire to attend the first examination, which will shortly be held. There is every indication that a much larger number will present themselves at the October examination.

Mr. Speaker, the hon. Member has not, as he will see, answered my question at all. It is not those who have expressed the desire to attend an examination that I asked for. What I asked for was the number of staff-sergeants and others who had been recommended by their commanding officers for a commission?

It was somewhat difficult to discover what the hon. Gentleman did want; but he might put another question down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue will accept the judgment given by Mr. Justice Scrutton in Commissioners of Inland Revenue v. G. M. Hunter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject which I gave him on Wednesday last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the appeal to the Courts, mentioned by him in his reply in the House of Commons in June, 1912, as to the liability of brine to Mineral Rights Duty is likely to be heard; and whether, up to the present time, any Mineral Rights Duty has been demanded upon this mineral?

Delay has been caused by the necessity of selecting a typical area with regard to which the question of brine being a mineral within the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, could be raised as a clear issue. Such a selection has now been made, and it is hoped that the case will be ready for hearing in the next revenue paper. Mineral Rights Duty on brine has been demanded in certain cases where returns have been made.

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer really suggest to the House that it has taken two years to select the average, and is he aware that he answered me in June, 1912, to the effect that there was a question of legality, and that no duty had been collected pending the decision of the Court?

I accept the hon. Gentleman's statement, but I do not recollect it. The case is now being proceeded with.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Secretary of State for War and the Postmaster-General have recommended that the time spent by members of the Royal Engineers in the service of the Post Office shall count for civil pension; whether the fact that this period does not count for civil pension prevents a number of expert postal telegraphists joining the Royal Engineers; whether, at the present moment, there is a shortage of telegraphists in the Royal Engineers; and if he can now see his way, in view of the fact that service with the Post Office does not count for military pension, to allow it to count for civil pension?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. I am unable to propose an alteration in the existing law under which service with the Colours cannot count for Civil superannuation, but arrangements are under consideration which, it is hoped, will remove the difficulty in this case in future.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state whether the contributions under the National Insurance Act paid by a second mate of a vessel are forfeited if the second mate, having a first mate's certificate, should temporarily act as first mate during a voyage?

If the Noble Lord has in mind a specific case perhaps he will furnish me with particulars.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mr. J. Oliver Morgan, of Awelfryn, 8, Palace Avenue, Llanelly, has been threatened with compulsion as to the payment of his national health insurance contributions, although exempt; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is informed that the insured person referred to applied for the necessary certificate of exemption on the 15th January last, and that the certificate was issued to him on the same day. I am making further inquiry into the circumstances of the case, and will communicate with the Noble Lord.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say what has been the cost up to date of the inquiry of the Departmental Committee into excessive sickness and deficiencies under the National Insurance Act?

The figure referred to is approximately £1,800.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much it would cost to make an inquiry into the question of excessive sickness and deficiencies in Wales under the National Insurance Act similar to that which is being made in England and Scotland; and whether he will consider the desirability of the conditions in Wales in these respects not remaining unknown to the public?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the terms of reference of the Sickness Benefit claims Committee, which are limited to England. Both the Scottish and the Welsh Insurance Commissioners are taking steps to obtain full information as to sickness benefit claims in those countries.

May I ask the hon. Member when the report of the Welsh Commission on this matter will be published?

I should like notice of that question.

asked whether the evidence given before the Departmental Committee on excessive sickness and deficiences under the National Insurance Act has yet been printed?

In accordance with the usual practice the evidence referred to is being printed for the convenience of the Members of the Committee.

Will the evidence of the Departmental Committee be published?

We shall consider that question when the evidence is complete.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state why the Welsh Insurance Commissioners have forbidden friendly societies, which are approved societies under the National Insurance Act, to conduct their meetings and business on licensed premises; whether he is aware of the resentment existing among friendly societies in Wales against this interference with their liberty and former custom; and why this interference is not made by the English Insurance Commissioners upon approved societies in England?

The regulations referred to in the first part of the question were made with the unanimous approval of the Welsh Advisory Committee, on which approved societies operating in Wales are fully represented, and my right hon. Friend is not aware of any such general feeling among these societies as the hon. Member suggests. I have fully and frequently explained in the House why similar regulations have not been made in England.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will guarantee the payment in full of the bills of panel chemists under the National Insurance Act for the year 1913?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for Salisbury on the 26th February.

asked whether officers, apprentices, and sailors on British ships on long voyages are provided by the shipowners with medical attendance; whether it is compulsory for such persons to be insured; and, if so, what medical treatment do they obtain in return for their contributions to the national insurance funds?

The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, insured persons in the mercantile marine are entitled to medical benefit in Great Britain in respect of any period during which the owner of the ship is not liable under the Merchant Shipping Acts to defray the expenses of medical attendance and medicine, and the contributions both of masters and men on foreign-going ships are reduced in consideration of the periods during which they do not require benefit under the Insurance Acts.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if it is not the fact that many of these sailing ships may have voyages of eighteen months before they get back again to this country, and if it is right that the men should have to pay their insurance contributions during that time, considering that they cannot possibly get any benefit?

Their contributions are rated according to the benefits to which they are entitled and which they receive.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that sailors under these conditions have to pay as a rule about £1 2s. a year for which they cannot get any benefit?

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman that they cannot get any benefit.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the serum treatment on swine is carried out by the German Government to prevent swine fever; and, if so, to what extent, and if any results have been published?

I am informed that the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part therefore does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, if the inspectors of the Board of Agriculture had delayed diagnosis of swine fever in the herd of pigs belonging to Mr. Stewart, of Burnrigg, Prestonpans, until such time as all the pigs had died from the disease, no compensation would have been payable to Mr. Stewart; and if he will state if there is any limit to the time which may elapse between first notification by an owner of disease in his herd and diagnosis by officials of the Board of Agriculture?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The nature of swine fever is such that animals may die of the disease without showing diagnostic symptoms; there is not, therefore, and cannot be, any certain limit to the time which may elapse between notification of suspected disease and diagnosis by the Board's inspectors.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, seeing the great amount of money and expense involved to the owners, owing to the dilatoriness of the officials, he will see that inquiry is made and compensation given by the Board of Agriculture?

I am afraid I cannot admit the hypothesis on which the question is put. I cannot admit that the Board's officers are dilatory.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board have published any information to the public regarding the standard of quality of tuberculin used for stock; and where the tuberculin can be procured?

I may refer the hon. Member to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Departmental Committee on the Export of Live Stock, 1912 (Cd. 6032). The quality of tuberculin is not discussed in other publications of the Board. The Board are prepared to advise stock owners who inquire where tuberculin of good quality can be obtained.

asked if, in the opinion of the expert advisers of the Board, it is advisable for stock owners to have their cattle tested for tuberculosis with any tuberculin other than that manufactured at the Pasteur Institute in Paris?

I understand that reliable tuberculin may be obtained from other sources than from the Pasteur Institute in Paris.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State has received a unanimous resolution from the annual meeting of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce protesting against the excessive outlay of public funds on the new capital city at Delhi; and whether large funds will be needed during the next few years in furtherance of the industrial, commercial, and railway development of India?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Secretary of State sees no reason to apprehend that the requirements of industrial expansion in India will be hampered by the building of the new Imperial capital.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can now state approximately what is to be the amount of money to be expended on the new capital city of Delhi?

The Secretary of State has learnt from the Viceroy that the estimates for the new capital, as approved by the Government of India, amount to £5,113,000. But, in addition to this, there is a provision of £1,000,000 as a reserve for unforeseen expenditure. The estimates include purchase of land, cost of buildings, and communications, water-supply, sewerage and drainage, parks and public improvements, electric light and power, and salaries and contingencies of various kinds.

Does the Secretary of State not consider that these millions could be more advantageously expended in the development of the resources of India than in this experiment?

The Secretary of State considers that such expenditure is justified.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the principal activity of the Agricultural Organisation Society is directed to the establishment of co-operative trading societies, the object of which is to divert into other channels the business now being done by private traders; and whether he will direct the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury so to revise the conditions attaching to the Grants to the Agricultural Organisation Society as to safeguard the interests of private traders in the application of these Grants, and will lay the amended conditions upon the Table of the House at an early date, or, in the alternative, will discontinue the Grants after the expiration of the present financial year?

I am aware that the Agricultural Organisation Society is largely engaged in the organisation of co-operative societies of farmers for the purchase of agricultural requirements and disposal of produce; and the Grant made from the Development Fund to the society for that, among other purposes, is clearly covered by the words "organisation of co-operation" in Section 1 (1) (a) of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909. So far as I am aware, the society does not give pecuniary assistance to the co-operative societies or organise or advise such societies for non-agricultural purposes. If, however, the hon. Member can show that the society is taking such steps, the question of an Amendment of the present conditions of Grant will be carefully considered.

Is it not a fact that this is purely a propagandist body, and that as a result of its activity traders in rural districts are benefiting in consequence of the increasing circulation of money in their districts?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will invite the Law Officers of the Crown, when considering the constitutional rights that His Majesty's Government have of intervening in the case of the nine British subjects deported without trial by the South African Government, to consider that the Government is now inviting the co-operation of the Government of the United States in bringing to justice the alleged murderers of the late Mr. Benton, and of the Government of Portugal in connection with the arrest on Portuguese territory of Mr. Bowskill, and whether these precedents warrant representations being made to the South African Government in the case mentioned above?

We do not think it necessary to consult the Law Officers of the Crown. The cases cited do not appear to form precedents for guidance in the South African case.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any steps have been taken or can be taken to represent to the South African Government how very widely the Indemnity Bill departs from the ordinary standards of civilised legislation in making it retrospective?

I must have notice of that.

asked whether the Board will publish their Reports of proceedings under the Diseases of Animals Acts at an early date; and whether he is aware that five months elapsed between the date the Report was submitted by the Secretary and the date when the Report was published?

The Report was laid in dummy on the Table of the House yesterday, and I hope that copies will be available for the use of hon. Members next week. The publication of the Report last year was, as I explained to the House, unfortunately delayed by the long illness of the assistant secretary of the Animals Division, and of the chief veterinary officer of the Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Permanent Secretary to the Board of Agriculture signed the document on the 7th of April, 1913, and it took from that date to the 7th of September, 1913, to publish it?

I am not aware of those facts. I will inquire into them if the hon. Member wishes it.

asked if there are inspectors at London, Goole, and Southampton for the purpose of inspecting the worn-out horses now being shipped to ports in. France; and of the 500 horses exported last year were, in fact, so inspected?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked whether the Government workers at the Royal Veterinary College have modified the prescription of or, in the opinion of his expert advisers, in any way improved upon the vaccine which, as the result of the discoveries of Dr. F. W. Twort and Mr. G. L. Y. Ingram, was prepared two years ago for the diagnosis of Johne's disease, and, if so, in what respect; and whether he will consider the desirability of calling the test substance prepared at the college Johnein, after the discoverer of the bacillus, rather than Johnin, which conveys a wrong impression of its origin?

I am advised that the question whether a reliable test agent for the diagnosis of Johne's disease has been discovered is still doubtful. The results of the investigation undertaken on behalf of the Board by the Royal Veterinary College will be published when the facts have been sufficiently ascertained. The nomenclature of scientific discoveries is not under my control, but I will convey the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to the authors of the word "Johnin."

In fairness to these two discoverers, will the right hon. Gentleman authorise the Government investigators to take these two gentlemen into their confidence?

The position of those two gentlemen has often been discussed in this House, and I am afraid I can add nothing to the information already given.

asked whether the dwelling-house and grounds adjoining Eltham Palace belong to the Crown; if so, what is the rent derived from the same; the date and duration of the lease; whether any portion of the palace now being restored at public expense, or any easement from same, are comprised in such lettings; if any arrangements are in contemplation for admitting the general public to view the palace; whether he will consider the desirability of terminating at the earliest opportunity the present letting of the house so as the better to enable this historic palace, and the moat and grounds surrounding it, to be enjoyed by the nation who are bearing the expense of the restoration; and what is the estimated total expenditure now being incurred in the restoration?

The house and grounds adjoining the Eltham Palace Hall belong to the Crown, and with the hall itself are comprised in a lease granted in 1862 for a term that will expire at Michaelmas, 1919, at £140 per annum. The lessee is under obligation to allow the public to have access to the hall at reasonable times and he is not responsible for repairs to the hall. The future disposition of the premises on the expiration of the present lease will be considered in due course. The estimated total expenditure now being incurred in the restoration of the hall, the moat walls, and the approach bridge over the moat is about £6,000.

asked whether any decision has been arrived at respecting the opening of certain British ports for Irish live stock coming from uninfected areas for immediate slaughter?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Member for North Monaghan on Monday last.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can now give the full result of the researches of the Committee that went to India to investigate the nature of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and to seek a remedy?

I understand that the Report will be available shortly, but I regret that I cannot yet name a date.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that he gave me exactly the same reply a few weeks ago, and the Report has not been published yet?

Yes, Sir. The preparation of the Report is not in my hands, and I have no control over it.

asked if, in view of the increasing importance of women's work in connection with agricultural and horticultural instruction, he will consider the advisability of placing a representative of Swanley Horticultural College, or some other collegiate institution for the education of women in rural industry, upon the reconstituted Agricultural Education Conference, or, alternatively, receive a deputation from the above college on the matter?

I recognise the importance of providing adequate facilities for certain kinds of agricultural education for women, and it is proposed that this should be the first subject referred to the Agricultural Education Conference for consideration and report. I do not think it necessary to enlarge the constitution of the conference, which will, however, for the purposes of this first reference, be empowered to co-opt additional members. I have no doubt that a similar power will be given and exercised whenever subjects of special interest to women are under consideration.

Do I understand that the additional members may be ladies?

Certainly.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the annual cost of ventilating the House of Commons; and what is the number of officials employed in that duty, and the individual salary of each official?

The total of Sub-head D, warming, ventilating, and lighting, for 1914–15 is £26,800, but it is impossible to apportion this sum between the different services concerned.

asked whether the Report of the Inspector of Ancient Monuments for the year 1913 is published; and, if so, where it is obtainable?

The report is obtainable from Messrs. Wyman, or through any book-seller, at the price of 6s.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what foreign Governments are in the habit of buying horses in Ireland; and how many horses were acquired by each of these Governments and by the British Government during the year 1913?

The following statement shows, according to the returns received in the Department, the names of the foreign Governments who are in the habit of acquiring horses in Ireland, together with the number of horses exported on behalf of each during the year 1913:—

asked the President of the Local Government Board what are the new Regulations which have been issued to coroners which make it necessary for the holding of inquests in every case where the deceased may not have been attended by a regular practitioner?

No Regulations have been issued to coroners. The Regulations recently issued to registrars of births and deaths do not have the effect suggested, or in any way diminish the discretion of the coroner as to whether an inquest is or is not necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the coroner at Halifax intimated that in consequence of these Regulations he has no option but to hold an inquest in every such case?

No, Sir, I am not aware of it.

I will send the right hon. Gentleman a report

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will draw up model Regulations for bathing healthy inmates in workhouses; whether the Regulations for bathing lunatics and idiots in workhouses framed by the Lunacy Commissioners, and recommended by the Poor Law Board in a circular of 1870, are suspended by the new Order; whether under the new Order the Codes for bathing lunatics, idiots, and infants will require the approval of neither the Local Government Board, nor of the Lunacy Commissioners, nor of the guardians, nor will even be sent to the Local Government Board for examination; and whether he will make an amending Order providing for the express approval of the Local Government Board both to the Regulations and Codes?

The Regulations framed by the Lunacy Commissioners in 1870, to which the hon. Member refers, were never binding upon Poor Law guardians. They were only recommended for their consideration, and a similar recommendation is included in the circular which accompanied the new Order. The Regulations referred to are not suspended by the new Order. As I pointed out in the answer which I gave the hon. Member on the 16th instant, the bathing of sick persons, lunatics, and infants will under the new Order be subject to the directions of the medical officer who is responsible for their care and treatment. If new Regulations are made by the guardians they will be sent to the Local Government Board, and may be disallowed by the Board. All those Regulations which have so far been submitted under the provisions of the new Order either reproduce or improve upon the recommendations contained in the Minute of 1886. In the circumstances I see no reason for taking the course suggested in the question.

asked whether local authorities have power to seize tuberculous cows exposed for sale for food purposes, but have no power to seize tuberculous cows supplying milk for human consumption; and whether he will say why the Local Government Board regard tuberculous milk as less dangerous to human beings than tuberculous meat?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Under the Tuberculosis Order issued in 1913 by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, the local authorities have power to cause a cow giving tuberculous milk to be seized and slaughtered.

asked whether he has had his attention called to the conference recently convened by the Manchester and Salford Housing Reform Committee for the purpose of calling public attention to the shortage of houses in the city and suburbs; whether he can give the facts as to the actual shortage of houses now existing; and whether he can suggest any method of dealing with the shortage?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the other part of the question the particulars received from Manchester in connection with the housing survey now being undertaken show an existing shortage of about 3,000 houses. I will communicate with the local authority on the subject. I have at present no information from Salford.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the circumstances of the abandonment in the North Atlantic of the steamer. "County of Devon" have been brought to his notice; whether at the time the vessel was carrying a heavy deck load of timber; whether the carrying of a deck load of this nature to ports in the United Kingdom is forbidden at this time of the year; whether any of the crew were washed overboard or injured; whether the vessel sustained serious structural damage through the carrying away of her deck load; and whether a Board of Trade inquiry is to be held in this case?

The Board of Trade have received reports as to the abandonment of the s.s. "County of Devon" while on a voyage to Rotterdam, and from these reports it appears that the vessel was at the time carrying a deck load of heavy timber. Deck loads of this nature may not be brought to the United Kingdom during the winter months. The master and some members of the crew are reported to have been injured; and the vessel is stated to have received serious structural damage through the deck load going overboard. A formal investigation has been ordered.

asked whether he has made further inquiries into the cases of the steamers "Ranzani," "Florence," "Bodo," and "Tasso," which, though flying the British flag, have been manned by crews wholly composed of aliens and alleged to be of alien ownership; whether he is in a position to give any further information respecting these cases; and whether any steps are being taken in preventing colourable British ownership in the case of merchant vessels?

Two of the vessels mentioned in the question, the "Ranzani" and the "Florence" are no longer registered British vessels. The "Tasso," which is still registered as a British ship, opened an agreement at Piraeus in August last and the crew were then of foreign nationality. I have no information as to the manning of the "Bodo," which is registered at Nassau. Where there is doubt as to the title of a ship to be registered as a British ship, the case can be inquired into under Section 51 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the "Ranzani" and the "Florence" ceased to be British ships?

No, but I shall be happy to give the hon. Member the dates.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that many sorting clerks and telegraphists who are in receipt of the maximum salary of their grade earn more than would be paid to them if promoted to be overseers; and if, under the recommendations of the Holt Committee, this condition of affairs is made more common, and promotion to the overseers' class will entail a loss of income to many of the officers promoted?

It is the case that at the maximum of the sorting clerk and telegraphist scale the total emoluments of a sorting clerk and telegraphist who chooses to work much overtime, not infrequently exceed the minimum (without overtime) of the overseers' scale. The Holt Committee's recommendations will have the tendency which the hon. Member suggests.

asked how the sum of £85,120, the estimated cost in the immediate changes in pay for sorting clerks and telegraphists under the Holt Committee's recommendations, is arrived at, having regard to the fact that the principal recommendations affect only the maximum pay of the male sorting clerks and telegraphists, of whom not more than 30 per cent. are in receipt of the maximum pay?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not yet in a position to furnish the particulars asked for by the Noble Lord, as certain of the proposals with regard to the pay and conditions of service of sorting clerks and telegraphists arising out of the Holt Committee's recommendations are still under discussion with the Treasury.

asked the Home Secretary how many dogs were killed and injured by motor traffic within the Metropolitan area in 1913?

This information is not available, and could not be obtained with any approach to accuracy.

asked if complaints have been received from a number of small traders as to the injurious effect upon their interests of the compulsory closing provisions of the Shops Act; if, in particular, complaint has been made of the injustice of allowing certain businesses, such as tobacconists and confectioners, to remain open, while others of an equally necessary class have to close; and if the Government propose to introduce amending legislation to deal with the matter?

Some representations have been received from small traders as to the effect of the weekly half-holiday provisions, but except in one or two cases no complaint has been made in regard to the exemption allowed to the trades specified in the Second Schedule. I have no reason to think that there is any general dissatisfaction among small traders, and I do not contemplate the introduction of any amending legislation at present.

Is it not a fact that Members of the Government have admitted the harshness of this Act, and have stated that it is only the want of time which precludes bringing in an amending Bill?

The statements have not been brought to my notice.

I shall have pleasure in bringing them to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will give a day for the discussion of the administration of the telephone service; or whether, in the alternative, he will give two days for the discussion of the Post Office Estimates?

My right hon. Friend, who has asked me to answer this question, will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least give us one day clear to the Post Office Vote, having regard to the fact that last year we only got half a day?

I will convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

Will he also convey to the Prime Minister the expressed desire of hon. Members to have a day for the discussion of the grievances of the Post Office staff?

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the new conditions as to war service involving the disappearance of officers according to their domicile have yet been published in any Army orders; whether the domicile of every officer serving in Ireland has been or will be shortly ascertained; (2) whether he will state to the House what were the consequential and supplementary movements indicated by General Sir Arthur Paget when he interrogated certain officers as to their willingness to proceed to Ulster; and (3) whether an order was issued to the officers at the Curragh to the effect that they would be given twenty-four hours in which to decide whether they would be prepared to proceed to Ulster; whether it was intimated to them that if they refused they would be dismissed from the Army; whether this order was issued with the knowledge and approval of the members of the Army Council?

asked whether the order to General Gough to return to duty or any memorandum of such order was committed to writing; and, if so, will he communicate it to the House?

My right hon. Friend will have an opportunity of replying to these questions in the course of the Debate this afternoon.

At the same time, can the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary for War, looking to the fact that the Prime Minister has endorsed this new rule of service in the Army, see also that the domicile of non-commissioned officers and privates is also ascertained beforehand?

asked the cost of the movement of troops into Ulster during the last ten days; and on what Vote the expenses of these movements will appear?

The cost of the movement of troops falls upon Vote 6. It is impossible at present to state the expense due to the movements to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.

On what Vote will this be borne?

Vote 6.