asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many persons have received benefits under Parts I. and II. respectively of the National Insurance Act up to the latest date for which figures are available who were not members of any friendly or other sickness or unemployment benefit societies prior to the operation of the said Acts; and for what benefits sums were paid and the totals under the two classes?

The total membership of friendly societies, including duplicates, was in December, 1911, approximately 6¾ millions. The number of persons insured under Part I. of the National Insurance Act, 1911, without duplicates is nearly 14 millions.The amounts issued to approved societies and insurance committees in the United Kingdom up to the 11th January, 1914, are as follows:—

		£
Issues to Approved Societies for	Benefits	7,605,000
	Administration	3,675,000
Issues to Insurance Committees for	Medical benefit	4,502,000
	Sanatorium benefit	801,000
	Administration …	252,000
Payments to Deposit Contributors in sickness and maternity benefit		18,100

The number of persons insured under Part II. of the National Insurance Act, 1911, is about 2¼ millions, and less than one-fifth of these were formerly insured through voluntary associations.The total benefit paid under Part II. up to the 13th March, 1914, was about £622,000, and the number of claims on which benefit was paid was about 700,000.

asked the amount paid in Scotland up to date for the erection or maintenance of institutions for the treatment, under the National Insurance Act, of tuberculous patients out of the capital Grant of £1,500,000, out of funds available for sanatorium benefit under the National Insurance Act, and out of rates?

As I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Plymouth on the 19th instant, only a nominal amount has as yet been issued in Scotland out of the capital Grant of £1,500,000, but schemes for the erection of institutions by local authorities are approaching completion which will shortly involve the issue of large amounts from the Grant. With regard to the other portions of the question, the information is not available in a form which enables the expenditure for the particular purposes mentioned to be distinguished from expenditure on sanatorium benefit generally. I am informed, however, that the expenditure by Insurance Committees in Scotland under Section 16 (2) of the National Insurance Act, 1911, towards the sanatorium benefit amounted to £6,180 for the period from 16th July, 1912, to 11th January, 1913, and to approximately £57,000 for the period from 12th January, 1913, to 11th January, 1914; while the total expenditure by local authorities for the treatment of tuberculous cases in hospitals and sanatoria for the period from 15th July, 1912, to 31st March, 1913, was £32,488, and their estimated expenditure for the period from 1st, April, 1913, to 31st March, 1914, is approximately £80,000. One-half of the two last-mentioned sums is chargeable to the rates.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any public money was advanced to the Grand Canal Company, Dublin, by way of loan or otherwise, for the construction of certain graving docks at Ringsend; if he is aware that a lease of the largest of these docks has been granted to the Dublin United Tramways Company, who intend to convert it into a depot for coals; and whether, in view of the need of graving dock accommodation in Dublin, he can see his way to take any action in this matter?

I am informed by the Board of Works that various Grants of public money were given for the construction of the Grand Canal, both under the Commissioners of Inland Navigation (1753 to 1772) and the Grand Canal Company (1772 to 1813), but so far as can be traced the only one that specifically referred to the Ringsend Docks was a Grant of £18,231 between 1772 and 1800 to secure their completion. The dock understood to be referred to is unsuited to modern requirements, and has not been used as a graving dock for forty or fifty years. The Board have no official information as to the letting of the dock. There is a graving dock at Ringsend in use and in working order on the territory of the Grand Canal Company.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the lowest grade of the permanent staff, and the initial salary of that grade, employed on clerical duties in the Tea and Dry Goods Accounts, Long Room, His Majesty's Customs and Excise, London, on the 1st April, 1901, and 1st April, 1913, respectively?

On 1st April, 1901, examining officer, second-class, £110; on 1st April, 1913, assistant clerk, £45.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the number of the lowest grade of clerk, other than temporary clerks, and the initial salary of that grade, employed in the Statistical Office, His Majesty's Customs and Excise, on 1st April, 1890, 1900, and 1913, respectively?

1st April, 1890, 32 clerks, Second Division, £70; 1st April, 1900, 103 assistant clerks, £55; 1st April, 1913, 211 assistant clerks, £45.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now considering the reduction of the rate of interest at which county councils are empowered to borrow money for housing purposes?

Local authorities are empowered to borrow money for housing purposes at the minimum rate allowed for the time being for loans out of the Local Loans Fund. Regard being had to the rates at which capital can at the present time be raised for the purposes of that fund, the grant of loans at any lower rate of interest would necessitate a direct Exchequer subsidy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Valuation Department of the Inland Revenue are sending out notices to rectors and vicars of parish churches throughout the country requesting them to state the names and addresses of the persons in whom the churches and graveyards of their several parishes are now vested; whether he can state by virtue of what statutory or other authority this is being done; whether he will state for what purpose, and with what object, provisional valuations are being made of these churches and graveyards, and whether with a view to levying taxes or duties on them, and, if so, of what character; whether, in view of the fact that the answers to the questions submitted to these rectors and vicars often involve difficult questions of fact and of law, it is expected that rectors and vicars will take expert legal and other advice in order to enable them to answer; and whether he proposes to reimburse the rectors and vicars the expenses to which they are put in obtaining such advice?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for the Andover Division on the 5th instant. I can only add that district valuers are obtaining the information required for service of the valuations of churches, etc., in the ordinary course, and that there is no obligation on incumbents to incur expense in obtaining legal or other advice in connection with the valuation. Cemeteries are in certain cases already valued and assessed for purposes of local rating.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Report of the Scottish section of the Land Inquiry Committee will be published?

I fear I can at present add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for West St. Pancras on the 3rd instant.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland upon what terms the Congested Districts Board have acquired the Gibbings estate, near Tiernaur, Newport, county Mayo?

The holdings on the estate referred to were purchased by the Congested Districts Board at different prices. Holdings held at judicial rents fixed or agreed to before 14th August, 1896, at an average of eighteen years' purchase; holdings held at judicial rents fixed or agreed to on or since 14th August, 1896, at an average of twenty years' purchase; yearly tenancies at an average of sixteen years' purchase.

asked whether Mr. Stannel has refused to sell through the Congested Districts Board his estate near Newport, county Mayo; and, if so, will the Board take steps to acquire this congested estate?

Mr. Stannel has offered his estate near Newport for sale to the Congested Districts Board, and an offer for purchase will be issued as soon as practicable.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the village of Clonmellon, situate in counties Meath and Westmeath, will, if the estate of Lady Chapman is acquired by the Estates Commissioners, be treated as one of those communities referred to by the author of the Land Act of 1903, for whose betterment it was primarily intended?

The Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to state what action, if any, they may take in reference to the premises in Clonmellon, should they acquire the estate referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Percival estate, situate in Tobercurry union, county Sligo, has been purchased by the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, whether, without consultation with the tenants or their representatives, the game rights have been reserved to the landlord against the expressed wishes of the tenants?

The Congested Districts Board have purchased the estate referred to, agreeing that the sporting rights are to be reserved for the life of the vendor. This was done after notice had been received objecting to the reservation of such rights.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has considered the Final Report of the Vice-regal Commission on the Irish Milk Supply; and whether he is prepared to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report, particularly in view of the endorsement these recommendations have received from the Corporation of Dublin, the Dublin County Council, the Pembroke County Council, and many other public bodies in Ireland?

This matter is engaging the attention of the Departments concerned, and I shall not be in a position to say whether it will be possible to give effect to all the recommendations of the Report until I have received and fully considered the Reports of these Departments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, during the last four years, he has received complaints from His Majesty's officers of the Australian Squadron with reference to the condition of affairs in the New Hebrides; and whether he will consider the advisability of laying a selection of such Reports upon the Table of the House?

Reports have been received from time to time at the Admiralty from naval officers serving on the station, but it is not proposed to lay papers at present.

asked the Secretary for War whether, when General Sir Arthur Paget came over last week for a consultation with him and received orders to effectuate particular movements in Ulster, these orders were given by him himself direct, or was Sir Arthur Paget interviewed by the Army Council; upon what day or days of last week did he come over; and what members if any, of the Army Council were present?

Sir A. Paget was at the War Office on Wednesday, 18th March, and on Thursday, the 19th. Various consultations were held at which the Chief of the Imperial General Staff and the Adjutant-General were present.

asked whether the General Officer Commanding the forces in Ireland has been reprimanded for leading officers under his command to believe that they were to be used in active operations against Ulster?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary for War 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; and whether the domicile of every officer serving in Ireland has been or will be shortly ascertained?

No, Sir.

also asked 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; And whether this order was issued with the knowledge and approval of the members of the Army Council?

I do not think that I can usefully add anything to the statement which I made yesterday.

asked the Secretary for War why the Suffolk Regiment, now stationed at the Curragh, were confined to barracks on Saturday and Sunday last; whether they received orders to prepare everything necessary to enable them to leave for active operations against Ulster without delay; whether any special trains were ordered to take this regiment from the Curragh and who issued the order; and why these trains were countermanded at the last moment and by whom?

There is no information in the War Office on this matter.

asked the Secretary for War whether it was conveyed to him that certain, and, if so, how many officers employed at the War Office intended to resign their commissions in certain contingencies connected with the Army in Ireland; and if he can say what those contingencies were?

I have no information as to hypothetical resignations.

also asked the Secretary for War whether non-commissioned officers and men will be allowed an opportunity of being dismissed the Service, as in the case of commissioned officers, in the event of their not being prepared to undertake active operations against Ulster?

I cannot undertake to answer hypothetical questions.

next asked whether any arrangements or preparations have been made during the present month in connection with the movement of any hospital or ambulance units into Ulster?

No movements of hospital or ambulance units have been reported to the War Office.

further asked whether Major-General Macredy, director of personal service at the War Office, has examined any officers stationed in Ulster as to their readiness to carry out military operations in that province; and, if so, with what result?

No, Sir.

asked whether any order or intimation was conveyed to the Connaught Rangers or to the Leinster Regiment to hold themselves in readiness to go to Ulster; and, if so, whether such order has since been countermanded?

There is no information in the War Office to enable me to reply to this question. All these matters were left to the General Officer Commanding in Chief, who had full authority to take such precautionary measures as were necessary.

asked the Secretary for War what steps he is taking to make applicable to non-commissioned officers and men the exemption from war service promised to commissioned officers who may be domiciled within the area of operations?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I gave in reply to the question put to the Prime Minister to-day on this subject.

asked what was the extra cost entailed by the dispatch of troops to Ulster?

As I stated yesterday, in reply to the hon. Member for the Southport Division, it is not possible at present to state what is the extra cost involved.

asked whether on any previous occasions officers or men of the Regular Army or Royal Irish Constabulary domiciled in Ulster have been employed in maintaining order in that province; and whether on any such occasions they have been given the option of disappearing and being reinstated after the operations?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information on the second part.

also asked the Secretary of State for War whether the General Commanding the Home District convened his commanding officers on Saturday last and told them to inform their subordinate officers that no resignations would be accepted; when General Lloyd was instructed to do so; and what precise instructions were given to him?

I have no information as to what Major-General Sir Francis Lloyd said on the occasion referred to.

asked the Secretary for War whether, in view of the growing feeling of unrest created throughout the country by recent occurrences in connection with the Army in Ireland, he will advise the immediate setting up of a Departmental Committee to inquire into the whole question of the officering of the Army, and to report on possible schemes by which deserving and capable men of all classes may have equal opportunities of obtaining commissioned rank in His Majesty's land forces?

The question referred to in the latter part of the question has been considered quite recently and new Regulations as regards promotions from the ranks were issued on 1st January. The setting up of a new Committee is not contemplated.

also asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what steps are laid down by War Office Regulations to be taken for dealing with a private soldier or non-commissioned officer who desires or chooses to resign rather than accompany his unit or regiment on duty in an area where he is called upon to use arms against or even shoot down former fellow-workers of his engaged in an industrial dispute?

The Regulations do not contemplate the case of a private soldier being required to shoot down men because they are engaged in an industrial dispute.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a new Regulation has suddenly been made for Indian Cavalry regiments, compelling officers to be removed from their regiments without any reference to former services on their attaining a certain age, beyond which all are supposed to be too old for Cavalry service; whether under this Regulation, Colonel Ricketts, of the 15th Bengal Lancers, has been ordered to be removed from his regiment next August, and his pay to be reduced from 700 to 500 rupees a month, and to stand down for two years unemployed; and whether Colonel Ricketts has served nearly all his time with his regiment, doing especially good work on the stud farm on the newly-irrigated lands?

Under a Regulation promulgated in December last, officers of Cavalry units are ineligible for selection for appointment as commandants after attaining the age of forty-eight years; and such officers may, at their option, elect for removal from the cadres of their units at any time between the ages of forty-eight and fifty years, with the benefits admissible under the old rules. Lieutenant-Colonel Ricketts is ineligible under the Regulation for command, but he would not be compulsorily retired from his regiment until October, 1915, when he would be fifty years of age. The rates of pay quoted by the hon. and gallant Member are not understood.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, seeing that the cost of living in India has largely risen and the pay of the Indian Army has been recently increased in consequence, he can represent to the Government of India the desirability of a similar increase in the pay of officers and men in the British Army in India?

The question of improving the pay of British service officers in India is now under consideration with reference to the increases of pay recently sanctioned for British officers under Army Order dated 1st January, 1914. As regards British soldiers in India, a similar question does not arise, since British soldiers serving in the United Kingdom do not fall within the scope of the Order in question. I would add that as British soldiers in India receive free rations they are not seriously affected by any rise that may have taken place in the cost of living in that country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a Bombay Civil servant, who is a native of that presidency, has been appointed Dewan of the State of Cochin in Madras Presidency; and, if so, whether the selection was made by His Highness the Rajah of Cochin, and indicates that no native of his State is fitted for the office?

I learn from the public Press that Mr. J. W. Bhore, a member of the Madras Civil Service, has been appointed by the Rajah of Cochin to be Dewan, in succession to Mr. A. R. K. Banerji, C.I.E., another member of the Madras Civil Service. As to the second part of the hon. Member's question, I have no information; and the third relates to the internal affairs of a native State of which the Secretary of State for India has no cognisance.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what portion of the bills and transfers in India sold by the India Office during the last twelve months, realising £30,700,000, represented the Home charges; for what purpose was the balance required; and, if to purchase silver bullion, how much is accounted for under that head?

Of the sum of £31,200,000 (approximately) now expected to be realised by the sale of Council drafts in 1913–14, £21,650,000 is the amount budgeted for towards meeting Home charges (on account of revenue, capital and miscellaneous purposes) in 1913–14; £1,415,700 represents additional Home expenditure in 1913–14 on capital account, including discharge of debt; £4,528,200 represents payments for silver purchased; and £2,150,000 a remittance from India of profits on the coinage of rupees to be added to the Gold Standard Reserve. The balance is to be used towards meeting the Secretary of State's general requirements after the 31st March, 1914.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether his attention has been drawn to allegations against the joint magistrate of Tirupattur for flogging juvenile offenders with his own hand; whether his attention has been drawn to the increase in sentences of flogging since this joint magistrate was appointed to the district; and whether the frequency of such sentences and the circumstances under which they are carried out is to be made the subject of representation from the India Office to the Madras Government?

As regards the first part of the question a full statement has been made in the Madras Legislative Council. I will cause a copy of the proceedings of the Council of the 27th January, recording the strong disapproval of the Government of Madras, to be placed in the Library. Inquiry is being made whether the alleged increase in the flogging sentences has taken place.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he can give any estimate of the amount of gold absorbed in India during the financial year 1912–13; what was the absorption of silver and notes during the same period; what proportion did the absorption of gold bear to the other two denominations of currency; and whether he can say how much gold was absorbed by Bombay, Madras, the Punjab, the United Provinces, and Burma, respectively?

Absorption of gold coin in India during the financial year 1912–13:—

	£
(1) After passing through Government Treasuries and Reserves	10,245,000
(2) Without so passing	856,000
Total	11,101,000

Absorption of silver coin during the same period:—Rs. 1,049 lakhs (£6,993,000).Absorption of notes:—Rs. 7 lakhs (£46,700).Ratio borne by the absorption of gold to that of the other two denominations of currency, approximately, 11 to 7.Amounts of gold coin (under head (1) above) absorbed by the provinces named:

			£
Bombay	…	…	1,658,000
Madras	…	…	1,571,000
Punjab	…	…	3,372,000
United Provinces	…	…	1,616,000
Burma	…	…	814,000

asked what purchases of silver were made for the Government of India during 1913, from whom the purchases were made, the dates at which the purchases were made, and the price paid on each occasion?

Silver of the total value of £5,500,000 was bought for the Govern- ment of India during the calendar year 1913. Of this £1,000,000 was bought in the financial year 1912–13, and £4,500,000 in 1913–14. The sums paid for these purchases, including freight and all other charges, were £1,008,702 and £4,528,000, respectively. The purchases were made through the Bank of England, the choice of brokers and source of purchase being left to the discretion of that institution. The dates of purchase, and prices paid, were as follows:—

Date.		Bar Silver purchased. Amount.		Price per ounce.
1913.		£	£	d.
January 1	…		20,000	29¼
January 2	…		50,000	29 5/16
January 3	…		130,000	—
January 6	…		35,000	—
January 7	…		75,000	29⅜
January 7	…		475,000	29½
January 9	…		25,000	29 5/16
January 11	…		40,000	—
January 13	…		25,000	29¼
January 14	…		20,000	29 1/16
January 16	…		20,000	29 1/16
January 17	…		20,000	29
January 20	…		30,000	29 1/16
January 21	…		35,000	29 1/16
August 28	…		20,000	27½
August 29	…		30,000	—
August 30	…	50,000	70,000	—
		20,000		—
Sept 1	…		35,000	—
Sept 2	…		40,000	27 9/16
Sept 11	…	100,000	200,000	27⅞
		100,000		—
Sept 15	…	100,000	200,000	27⅞
		100,000
Sept 19	…	200,000	2,075,000	28¾
		75,000		28⅜
Sept 22	…	100,000	1,085,000	28⅞
		85,000		28⅝
Oct. 16	…		25,000	28¼
Oct. 17	…		50,000	—
Oct. 21	…	200,000	400,000	28¼
		100,000
		100,000		28 3/16
Oct. 24	…		270,000	27 13/16
			£5,500,000

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether his attention has been called to the Resolution unanimously passed by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce on 27th February last protesting against the excessive outlay of public funds on a new capital city at Delhi; and what action he is taking in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many local education authorities are providing meals for necessitous children, under the Education (Provision of Meals) Act, 1906, from the rates; how many of them are spending up to the maximum of the ½d. rate; and what is the total amount of the Board of Education Grant to this service?

The number of authorities which provided meals for necessitous children out of the rates under Section 3 of the Education (Provision of Meals) Act, 1906, for the year ending 31st March, 1913, the latest period for which the Board have complete returns, was:—

England	…	…	…	…	94
Wales	…	…	…	…	16
					110

The number of these authorities which, during the same period, spent actually or approximately up to the maximum of the ½d. rate was:—

England	…	…	…	…	5
Wales	…	…	…	…	8
					13

No Grant is made by the Board of Education in respect of this service.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the Oldham Education Committee, whilst admitting that the salaries of its teachers are mostly insufficient, refuses to increase them on the ground that it is unable to do so by reason of the additional financial burdens laid on it, he will make such financial provision as will enable it to pay adequate salaries to its teaching staff?

No representations appear to have been made to the Board by the local education authority on the subject. It is my hope that the reform in the system of Grants for elementary education contemplated in connection with forthcoming legislative proposals will bring material relief to local education, authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the sentences passed upon James and Sarah Darley, at Sheffield, of six months' hard labour for child neglect; whether he is aware that Sarah Darley had twelve children to look after and was in a poor condition of health at the time of the offence; whether he is aware that James Darley bears an excellent character and that his employer, for whom he has worked twenty-seven years, describes him as a hard-working, steady, industrious, and well-conducted man; whether he is aware that the sentence passed is considered by local associations of work-people to be a miscarriage of justice; and whether he is prepared to take action to reduce the sentence?

The facts have been brought to my notice, but I regret that I have not found in them any sufficient reason for recommending a reduction of the sentence.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of a male prisoner who died in the convict prison at Parkhurst, and of whom it was stated at the inquest that he had suffered from an incurable disease which produced brittleness of the bones, so that in a fall he broke both arms and both legs; if he is aware that this prisoner is said to have been employed in the laundry and as a labourer on Camp Hill; and if he will say why the prisoner in question was allowed to die in prison while suffering from an incurable disease, seeing that a shipowner of Hull, who was sentenced for a criminal assault on a little girl in his house, was released after serving nine months because he was suffering from an incurable disease?

In the case of the prisoner at Parkhurst, the disease, though existing on reception into prison, did not affect his general health and strength, and permitted his employment as stated during the earlier part of his sentence. Later his complaint advanced, leading to the condition of brittleness of bones, and necessitating his removal to hospital. He had no friends to whom he could be sent. After his accident—which occurred whilst in hospital—his condition precluded all question of removal. The prisoner mentioned in the last paragraph of the question has since died.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is necessary to have a warrant to arrest prisoners released under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health Act; and, if not, whether the police have authority to enter private houses or public halls in order to make an arrest?

Prisoners who have failed to comply with the conditions of their discharge under this Act may be arrested without warrant. I am advised that the police are entitled to enter a public hall in order to make an arrest, but it is not clear that they have authority forcibly to enter private premises for that purpose, and they have not done so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the rate of mortality during the years 1911 and 1912 among imported labourers in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States, showing separately the rate of mortality among Indian coolies during those years?

I have not sufficient information to enable me to answer this question, but I am requesting the Governor and High Commissioner to furnish it.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the excessive sickness and abnormal death-rate of workers in Brades Edge Tool Works, he can see his way to bringing this work under the operation of the Industrial Diseases Act?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have made inquiry, and on the information which I have been able to obtain I do not find that, in comparison with the normal rate of sickness, the amount of sickness in the works referred to is excesive, or that the death-rate is abnormal. If by the Industrial Diseases Act the hon. Member means the industrial disease provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act, I have no power to apply those provisions to particular kinds of work, but only to specified industrial diseases. So far as regards the disease known as fibriod phthisis, to which grinders are specially subject, I would point out that the question of scheduling this disease under the Compensation Act was very fully considered by the Committee on Compensation for Industrial Diseases in 1907, and that the Committee were unable, for the reasons stated at length in their Report (see pages 13–19), to recommend it. The position in this respect has not altered since the Committee reported, and on present information I do not think there would be any advantage in reopening the question. I may add that disablement caused by the disease is now covered by the provisions of the National Insurance Act.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the total amount expended upon compensation and administration under the existing Swine Fever Orders since their promulgation in 1908; and what are the amounts so expended in the years 1911, 1912, and 1913, respectively?

The expenditure incurred by the Board in connection with swine fever during the last five financial years is shown in the following table:—

—	Compensation (after deduction of proceeds of sales of carcases of slaughtered animals).	Administration.	Total.
	£	£	£
1908–09 (10 months from 1st June, 1908)	17,170	39,608	56,778
1909–10	18,531	44,244	62,775
1910–11	28,288	48,669	76,957
1911–12	51,351	62,059	113,410
1912–13	46,952	66,390	113,342
Totals	£162,292	260,970	423,262

I regret that I am unable to give the figures for the calendar years.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the aggregate number of outbreaks of, and of pigs affected with, swine fever during the five years preceding, and during the five years following, the promulgation of the existing Swine Fever Orders, respectively; how many outbreaks have occurred in each of the last three years; and what proportion in each year have the affected pigs formed of the estimated total pig population of the country?

The particulars asked for, so far as I am able to give them, are set out in the following table. To prevent misunderstanding, I would point out that the percentage shown in the last column refers not only to pigs actually affected with swine fever, but also to those which it was deemed advisable to slaughter as having been exposed to infection.

—	Outbreaks.	Swine slaughtered as diseased or exposed to infection.
	Number.	Number.	Per cent, of total number of Swine (enumerated in June in Great Britain).
1903–07 (total)	7,107	36,046	—
1909–13 (total)	11,207	131,980	—
1911	2,466	30,434	1.08
1912	2,920	39,653	1.49
1913	2,573	32,034	1.43

Note.—The Swine Fever Order of 1908 came into operation on the 1st June, 1908. Hence the year 1908 is omitted from the comparison.I would also refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on this subject on the 12th February last, particularly to the last sentence of that answer. There was no substantial change made in 1908 in the Board's procedure, which has continued, with slight modifications from time to time, since 1901.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can state approximately the number of people who would be added to the list of old age pensioners if the age were reduced to sixty-nine, and the additional cost it would entail upon the Exchequer, with corresponding figures for the ages of sixty-eight, sixty-seven, sixty-six, and sixty-five?

I could not produce estimates which would be other than hypothetical. My hon. Friend can obtain for himself such estimates by a simple calculation from the figures of the last Census.

asked the President of the Local Government Board the number of children for which each Metropolitan Poor Law school is certified and the number of present vacancies in each school?

Union and Institution.	Certified Accommodation		Total Inmates on 31st Jan., 1914.	Spare Accommodation on 31st Jan., 1914.
	Of each Institution.	Total.
Bermondsey—
Receiving Homes	94	695	540	155
Shirley Schools	601
Bethnal Green—
Leytonstone Schools	576	576	315	261
Camberwell—
Receiving Homes	84	642	534	108
Scattered Homes	558
Fulham—
Receiving Home	80	80	57	23
St. George-in-the-East—
Plashet Schools	247	247	151	96
St. Giles and Sr. George—
Receiving Home	50	50	6	44
Greenwich—
Receiving Home	50	620	556	64
Sidcup Schools	570
Hackney…
Receiving Home	153	665	515	150
Schools	512
Hammersmith—
Receiving Home	65	65	46	19
Hampstead—
Receiving Home	24	24	16	8
Holborn—
Mitcham Schools	429	429	387	42
Islington—
Receiving Homes	225	625	523	102
Hornsey Road Schools	400
Lambeth—
West Norwood Schools	710	821	678	143
Children's Infirmary, Upper Norwood	111
Lewisham—
Receiving Home	20	20	19	1
St. Marylebore—
Southall Schools	390	390	275	115
Mile End—
Receiving Home	30	388	307	81
Scattered Homes	358
Paddington—
Receiving Home	35	35	23	12
St. Pancras—
Receiving Home	60	611	548	63
Leavesden Schools	551
Poplar—
Receiving Home	104	847	740	107
Button Schools	743
Shoreditch—
Receiving Home	77	502	460	42
Hornchurch Schools.	425
Southwark—
Receiving Homes	86	86	48	38

The following statement shows, with respect to the Metropolitan Poor Law Schools and Homes for Children, the number of children for which each institution is certified, and the total number of inmates, and the number of vacancies, on the 31st January, 1914:—

Union and Institution.	Certified Accommodation		Total Inmates on 31st Jan., 1914.	Spare Accommodation on 31st Jan., 1914.
	of each Institution.	Total.
Stepney—
Receiving Home	108	329	201	128
Stifford Schools	221
Wandsworth—
Intermediate Schools	204	249	121	128
St. James Road	45
Westminster—
Receiving Home	70	70	13	57
Whitechapel—
Receiving Homes	49	142	120	22
Scattered Homes	93
Woolwich—
Receiving Home	38	374	268	106
Schools	336

SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
School District and Unions comprised therein.		Institutions.	Certified Accommodation.		Total Inmates on 31st Jan., 1914.	Spare Accommodation on 31st Jan., 1914.
			Separately.	Total.
Central London	Unions.	Hanwell.	746	746	574	172
City of London
Southwark
North Surrey		Anerley	940	1,034	959	75
Lewisham	Unions.	Broadstairs	31
Wandsworth		South Norwood	63
West London		Ashford, Staines	718	1,168	1,009	159
Fulham	Unions.
Paddington.		Park School, Hanwell	450
Westminster
Hammersmith
Kensington and Chelsea		Banstead	696	838	634	204
Kensington	Unions.	Marlesford Lodge, Hammersmith	142
Chelsea

asked the President of the Local Government Board, what was the sum paid in salaries to Poor Law officers in England and Wales for the last complete year; and the amount of such payments contributed from Imperial taxes?

The following are the particulars for the year ended 31st March, 1913:—

	£
Salaries of Poor Law officers in London	982,000
Salaries of Poor Law officers in the rest of England and Wales	2,030,000

asked the Postmaster-General whether increased work has been put upon the postmistress at Weyhill; and whether she is in consequence to receive more pay in return for the extra hours worked?

The work has increased owing to a revision of postal services. The question of increasing the remuneration is under consideration, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when a decision has been arrived at.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the quantity and value of the total imports in each of the past three years of raw cocoa and preparations of cocoa?

The following statements give the information desired by the hon. Member:—

I.—Total Imports of Raw Cocoa.
Year.			Quantity.	Declared Value.
			Cwt.	£
1911	…	…	654,342	1,831,118
1912	…	…	672,113	1,948,889
1913	…	…	699,639	2,282,573
II.—Total Imports of preparations of Cocoa etc. (including manufactured Cocoa and Chocolate.)
1911	…	…	161,457	1,335,805
1912	…	…	211,345	1,604,274
1913	…	…	246,482	1,866,992

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the exports of cotton piece goods, in million yards, from the United Kingdom in 1912 and 1913 to the following regions: Europe, except Turkey; Turkey, Egypt, and Africa; America, except the United States of America; the United States of America; British East Indies; China, Java, etc.; and other countries, stating the percentage of total exports in each case; and what were the exports of cotton yarns in million pounds from the United Kingdom in 1912 and 1913 to the following regions: Europe, except Turkey; Turkey and Egypt; British East Indies; China, Java, etc.; and other countries, stating the percentage of total exports in each case?

The following statements give the information desired by the hon. Member:—

Region to which Exported.	Quantity Exported.	Proportion to Total Exports.
(1) Exports of Cotton Piece Goods (United Kingdom Manufacture) in 1912.
	Million yds.	Per cent.
Europe (except Turkey)	506.0	7.3
Turkey, Egypt and Africa	1,170.3	16.9
America (except United States)	991.2	14.3
United States	48.1	0.7
British East Indies	2,962.6	42.9
China, Java, Japan, etc.	935.9	13.6
Other Countries	298.8	4.3
Total	6,912.9	100.0
(2) Exports of Cotton Piece Goods (United Kingdom Manufacture) in 1913.
	Million yds.	Per cent.
Europe (except Turkey)	454.6	6.4
Turkey, Egypt and Africa	1,081.9	15.3
America (except United States)	862.4	12.2
United States	44.4	0.6
British East Indies	3,227.0	45.6
China, Java, Japan, etc.	1,139.8	16.1
Other Countries	262.2	3.8
Total	7,075.3	100.0
(3) Exports of Cotton Yarn (United Kingdom Manufacture) in 1912.
	Million lbs.	Per cent.
Europe (except Turkey)	132.8	63.2
Turkey, Egypt and Africa	13.7	6.5
British East Indies	39.0	18.6
China, Java, Japan, etc.	5.2	2.5
Other Countries	19.4	9.2
Total	210.1	100.0
(4) Exports of Cotton Yarn (United Kingdom Manufacture) in 1913.
	Million lbs.	Per cent.
Europe (except Turkey)	154.5	63.4
Turkey, Egypt and Africa.	18.8	7.7
British East Indies	43.5	17.8
China, Java, Japan, etc.	5.9	2.4
Other Countries	21.1	8.7
Total	243.8	100.0