asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that demands have been recently put forward for a further military understanding between the Powers of the Triple Entente with a view to concerted action on the Continent in case of certain eventualities; and whether the policy of this country still remains one of freedom from all obligations to engage in military operations on the Continent?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and as regards the latter part the position now remains the same as stated by the Prime Minister in answer to a question in this House on 24th March, 1913.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the suggestions made by the United States of America for the formation of an Inter national Committee to prepare for the third Hague Conference; whether those suggestions have yet received the assent of His Majesty's Government; whether they have received the assent of any other Powers; and whether His Majesty's Government have yet taken any steps to form an Interdepartmental Committee to advise as to the programme to be discussed and the views to be put forward on behalf of this country in conformity with the procedure adopted before the second Peace Conference?

The suggestions made by the United States for the formation of an International Committee are forming the subject of discussion between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government. His Majesty's Government have no knowledge whether the United States proposals have received the assent of other Powers. As regards the latter part of the question, steps are being taken to form an Interdepartmental Committee.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of rather widening the scope of this Committee, as compared with the last occasion, by introducing some Members of this House as well as mere officials?

There are two further questions on that subject on the Paper.

Has the Interdepartmental Committee or National Committee referred to been arranged for?

Yes; the Interdepartmental Committee will be a Committee presided over by a Member of the Cabinet, and will be a Committee which will decide or advise upon the instructions.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if, in taking steps to nominate a British Committee to formulate proposals to lay before the next Hague Conference, he will consider the advisability of appointing a member selected from the Associated Chambers of Commerce or some one representative of the commerce and industries of the United Kingdom?

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers will be a purely Interdepartmental Committee, and its membership will consist exclusively of representatives of the Government Departments concerned. Any proposals that the Associated Chambers care to submit will receive the careful consideration of the Committee.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he has yet reconsidered the question of representation of the various non-political interests in the community, including labour, on the National Committee or other body which may have the duty of drawing up suggestions for the Government for the next Hague Conference?

As the preparation of the programme to be submitted by His Majesty's Government at the preliminary International Conference must be a matter for which His Majesty's Government are wholly responsible, and, as it involves questions of confidential policy, the Government cannot admit the representatives of outside interests on the National Committee; but that Committee will carefully consider anything submitted to them, and will receive evidence should it appear desirable to do so.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in view of Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention for the pacific settlement of international disputes, whereby on 18th October, 1907, both the United States and Mexico pledged themselves, in case of a serious disagreement or dispute, before an appeal to arms to have recourse, as far as circumstances allow, to the good offices or mediation of one or more friendly Powers, and in view of the stipulation that, independently of this recourse, one or more Powers, strangers to the dispute, should, on their own initiative and as far as circumstances may allow, offer their good offices and mediation to the States at variance, can he say whether either the Government of the United States or that of Mexico has disclosed any intention of acting in accordance with these Articles; if not, whether His Majesty's Government, on whose behalf the Convention was also signed, propose to offer their good offices and mediation, and, if they do not so propose, what purpose the Convention serves; and whether he intends to proceed with the Bill presented to this House for changes in the law to enable His Majesty's Government to ratify that Convention?

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1) whether His Majesty's Government has any statement to make with regard to the war which has broken out between the United States of America and Mexico; and whether he will consider the possibility of this country, in the interests of humanity and having regard to the large interests which Great Britain has in Mexico, offering its good offices, in accordance with the Hague Tribunal, to bring about an early termination of hostilities; and (2) whether His Majesty's Government is keeping in view the fact that, according to Article 3 of the Convention, other Powers may of their own initiative offer their good offices after hostilities have commenced; and that such action would not be considered as an unfriendly act?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Governments of Argentina, Brazil and Chile have already offered their mediation, and it has been accepted by the United States. I have not yet heard definitely what attitude has been adopted by Mexico towards this offer, but under the circumstances it seems unnecessary to answer the hon. Member's question, and that of the hon. Member for Coventry in detail. The important facts with regard to the trouble in Mexico are already well known through the Press, and I will confine the statement for which the hon. Member for Coventry asks to our own action. Six British ships of war are now in Mexican waters. They are stationed as follows: On the Atlantic Coast of Mexico there are at the present moment the "Lancaster," "Berwick," "Essex," and "Hermione," of the Fourth Cruiser Squadron. The "Hermione" is at Tampico, the "Berwick" and "Lancaster" are at Puerto Mexico, at the north end of the Tehuantepec Railway, and the "Essex" at Vera Cruz. On the Pacific Coast the "Shearwater" is at Salina Cruz, the southern terminus of the Tehuantepec Railway, and the "Algerine" is at Ensenada, the northernmost port of Lower California. Mr. Hohler, the Secretary of His Majesty's Legation at Mexico, escorted 200 United States citizens, twenty British subjects, thirty Germans, and other foreigners by train to Vera Cruz, arriving there on 24th April. By an arrangement obtained by Sir L. Carden between General Huerta and the United States Admiral at Vera Cruz, Mr. Hohler brought 250 Mexican refugees back from Vera Cruz with him, and Sir L. Carden reported on the 25th that he was arranging for Americans who wished to leave Mexico City to do so. Admiral Cradock reported also that 100 British refugees were due at Vera Curz on the 25th. All these arrangements seem to have been assisted with great tact by the various British officials concerned in them, and to have been of real service to British and other foreign subjects, and also to Mexicans. From Tampico, which is reported to be quiet and in good order, the "Hermione" reported that the removal of Americans would be completed by the 26th. Refugees were being withdrawn from Panuco, near Tampico, on the 25th, and a British vessel has gone to Galveston from Tampico with refugees. A further steamer has been chartered and ordered to Tampico, and others will be chartered if necessary. Thirty-three British refugees from Tuxpan have embarked on a United States warship. The British cruiser offered help, which, however, was not necessary.

At Puerto, Mexico, the "Berwick" is dealing with all refugees except United States citizens, who are now on board a United States steamer. A ship has been chartered at that port by refugees. At Salina Cruz, where the situation was yesterday reported to be normal, there is a United States ship as well as the "Shearwater." Admiral Cradock is endeavouring to send a party unarmed, with dispatches, to Mexico City, with the full cognisance of the United States Admiral and the sanction of the Mexican general near Vera Cruz. The dispatches, which are for the British, French, German, and Spanish Ministers, are addressed to the President, with a request for his sanction for their delivery. Admiral Cradock hopes for a safe conduct for the party. The trouble in Mexico is of great concern to us on account of the British commercial interests involved, and we are, of course, ready to encourage, or further in any way that we can, any proposals of mediation that are likely to bring the trouble to an end.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has official information to the effect that, in consequence of an urgent appeal from the Persian Government to Russia not to withdraw her troops from Northern Persia for fear of an outbreak of disorder there, the Russian Minister of War was at once to order the construction of roomy and comfortable barracks in Azerbaijan for the accommodation of the Russian army of occupation; whether the Persian Government has since denied having made any such appeal as that referred to; and whether permanent stone-built barracks are now being projected in the northern province of Persia for the use of Russian troops?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this statement was made in the "Novoe Vremya" last month, and has been much commented upon in all the newspapers in the Eastern Press?

I will make further inquiries.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to pay to Scottish reformatories and industrial schools the increased Grants, amounting to an average of 6d. per young person or child per week, which are to be paid to reformatories and industrial schools in England and Wales from 1st April, 1914, as intimated in Home Office letter of 24th January, 1914?

Until an inquiry has been made into the position and financial resources of the Scottish schools, as has been done in the case of the similar English institutions, I am not prepared to commit myself to the additional Exchequer contribution referred to in the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure me that when the Grant is made it will be as from the 1st April, 1914, the same as English schools are getting Grants for that date?

I should not like to answer that without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman instituting an inquiry into these facts?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put a question to the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will consider the propriety of appointing a Committee to inquire into the working of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1899, with the view of ascertaining whether legislation is required to improve its procedure?

So far as I am concerned I should see no objection to an inquiry into the working of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, if reasons can be adduced to justify that course. I do not think, however, that a Committee appointed by me would be a proper body to hold an inquiry in to matters of Parliamentary procedure which concern the two Houses, and any inquiry of the kind ought probably to be referred to a Joint and Select Committee of the two Houses. If the hon. Baronet will state the grounds on which inquiry is deemed to be desirable, the Government will consider whether steps should be taken with a view to a reference of the matter to a Joint Select Committee?

Would it not be very much easier to give Scotland Home Rule?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can give the procedure under which pedigree stock can be imported into Ire land from England?

British live stock may be imported into Ireland under permits issued by the Irish Department. For further particulars I must refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Vice-President.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if any report has been received of a raid by dervishes recently on cattle pastures occupied by men of the Musa Abokr clan of the Habr Toljala tribe, when thirteen herds men were surrounded at night and twelve of them murdered; if the murdered men belong to a tribe which is nominally under British protection; if the place where the occurrence took place is within this country's sphere of influence; and whether any and, if so, what steps will be taken to punish these repeated attacks on friendly tribes?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 21st of April. I have asked the officer administrating the Government of Somaliland for a report on the raid which is stated to have taken place.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any idea when the report is likely to be forthcoming?

I think in the course of the returning mail.

I will repeat it on this day week.

I will inform the hon. Member when I have got the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has made any inquiry into the frequency of death sentences in Fiji; if so, with what result; and whether in any case during the past five years any death sentence has been commuted by higher authority?

I have made inquiry into the frequency of death sentences in Fiji, but no solution of the problem has at present been devised. There have been four commutations of death sentences in Fiji in the last five years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Crown Colonies largely populated by Indian labourers there is nearly always an inadequate proportion of women, and that therefore crimes of violence due to marital jealousy are common; and whether he will consider what steps can be taken to remedy this evil, of which evidence is to be found in the frequency of death sentences and executions in such Colonies?

I am aware that crimes of violence have unfortunately occurred in the Colonies which contain a considerable Indian population, owing to causes of the nature suggested by the hon. Member. The question whether the proportions of women emigrants recruited for such Colonies should be increased will receive attention when the report of Mr. MacNeill and Mr. Chimmanlal is under consideration.

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman hopes to present the report to the House?

I believe the report, will be presented by the India Office very shortly. I cannot say the exact date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of death sentences and executions in Southern Nigeria is, in comparison with the population, more than four times as great as in Northern Nigeria; whether this difference is due to the fact, if it be a fact, that accused persons in Southern Nigeria are not allowed the benefit of counsel in their defence; and, if not, whether he can state to what other cause the difference is due?

It was the case in 1912, but the difference cannot be due to the reason which my hon. Friend suggests, as counsel were generally employed in the defence in criminal cases in Southern Nigeria, but not in Northern Nigeria. The number of capital cases in Northern Nigeria was less than usual in 1912. In Southern Nigeria most of such cases occur in the Eastern and Central Provinces, where many of the tribes are of a primitive type and have little regard for human life, but I am glad to observe from figures lately received, that the number of executions carried out in Southern Nigeria in 1913 is the lowest in the last five years.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the natives in Northern Nigeria are not allowed to retain counsel in defence of their action?

I can hardly debate the point in answer to a question. There is a very good case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the number of death sentences and executions in Ceylon; and whether, having regard to the comparative prosperity and advanced condition of the people of this island, he can explain why the number of executions there in proportion to the population is nearly eight times as great as on the adjoining mainland of Madras?

The number of executions in Ceylon during 1913 was twenty-one, which is a smaller number than there has been for some years. I cannot admit that the proportion of executions to population need necessarily be the same as that which prevails in another country inhabited by a different people with different, proclivities to crime, and it is unfortunately the case that crimes of homicide have been of exceptionally frequent occurrence in Ceylon. Arrangements have recently been made which permit imprisonment for life and removal to the Andaman Islands to be substituted for the death penalty in all but the most serious cases of murder.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Labour Department will investigate the hours and wages of the lower grades in the service of the Crown and issue a re port on the subject on lines similar to those adopted for the public utility ser vices in the hours and earnings inquiry?

This matter shall be noted for consideration when the next general Inquiry into Earnings and Hours of Labour takes place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to state what action is to be taken on the Report of the British East African Protectorate Native Labour Commission?

No, Sir; I am still awaiting detailed recommendations from the Governor on various points. In any case I do not think that a complicated matter of this kind can be satisfactorily dealt with by question and answer, and I propose to lay Papers in due course showing what action has been taken. It will probably be some little time before I am in a position to do this, but in the meantime I am dealing with the Report as far as possible, especially with that portion of it which relates to the improvement of the health conditions under which native labour is at present employed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise that, if possible, the Papers shall be laid before the Colonial Office Vote is taken?

I will lay the Papers at the earliest possible moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that no steps will be taken, before the Papers are laid, to deprive any of the natives of their land?

I think I can safely give that assurance.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will lay Papers relating to the administration of the New Hebrides during the last five years of the Condominium?

I have to refer my hon. Friend to my reply on the 4th March to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Brentford Division.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an opportunity for the discussion of the question of payment of Members before the Vote is eventually passed?

This is a matter for arrangement through the usual channels.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have never had an adequate opportunity of discussing this principle? Is the payment to be voted automatically each year?

If there is a general desire expressed for discussion through the usual channels, I shall be very glad to give effect to it.

When the first Vote was passed, was not a promise given that this subject should come up for discussion every year?

I am not sure how that is; but I am not only willing but anxious that the matter should come up for discussion if and when the desire is expressed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean when he says through the usual channels any special reference to the eight Members of the. House who alone have refused to accept their salaries?

asked the Prime Minister whether any declaration whatever was made by the late Lord Cross, when he first applied for a political pension, that his total income was inadequate to maintain his station in life when he was seventy-one years of age; whether, in view of the fact that Lord Cross's net personal estate has been sworn at £79,299, he will cause inquiries to be made as to what portion of this amount accrued to Lord Cross during the twenty years he drew the pension, totalling £40,760; and, if it should be found that the declaration made by Lord Cross was, in the opinion of the Treasury, contrary to fact, he will take proceedings to recover this sum from the estate for the Treasury?

Lord Cross made the declaration, as required by Statute, in 1887, the year in which the pension was awarded to him. I am informed he was then 63, and not 71 years of age as stated by my hon. Friend. The reply to the rest of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware whether the declaration made by Lord Cross was investigated? Is he aware that in Mr. Gladstone's time—in 1883—a declaration for a pension was made, and that on investigation Mr. Gladstone came to the conclusion that the means of the applicant were abundantly sufficient to support the dignity of his position without a pension?

I was not aware of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Old Age Pensions Act there is a Clause specifically stating that if a man draws a pension to which he is not entitled it is to be treated as a criminal transaction; and, secondly, if after his death it is discovered that he had been drawing a pension to which he is not entitled the amount can be recovered from his estate?

No doubt the hon. Member is right, but it does not apply to this ease.

Arising out of the subject-matter of the question and the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, has the right hon. Gentleman had his attention called to the statement made by Lord Balfour of Burleigh in another place, and will he consider the propriety of endeavouring to find means by which a recipient of one of these pensions, who receives a temporary accession of income dependent upon his own exertions, may temporarily resign his right to the pension without forfeiting the right to resume it if his temporarily changed circumstances change again?

I will certainly consider that point.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give facilities for the Second Reading of the Police (Weekly Best-Day) (Scotland) Bill?

As at present advised I fear I do not see my way to give facilities for the Second Reading of the Bill referred to.

In view of the increasing urgency and demand for this rest-day, and considering it is in no sense a party measure, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will try to persuade the hon. Baronet the Member for Elgin and Nairn (Sir A. Williamson), who is the only objector to the Bill, to withdraw his objection, and allow it to go to Second Reading and Committee?

Perhaps the hon. Member will try his efforts at persuasion first?

I think the powers of persuasion of the right hon. Gentleman with his own party will be far greater than mine.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Port of London Authority were invited, and declined, to send representatives to a conference of local authorities, held under the auspices of the Garden City and Town Planning Association, to discuss the provision of housing accommodation for the workmen engaged on the new docks now in process of construction by the Port of London Authority; what steps that authority has taken to ensure that such workmen are housed under suitable conditions; and whether the Board of Trade has taken any action in the matter?

I am informed by the Port of London Authority that they were invited to send representatives to such a conference, but that they saw no reason for doing so, the Authority not regarding themselves as being under any obligation to provide housing accommodation for the workmen engaged in the work of constructing the dock, which is being carried out under contract. The Board of Trade have no power to take any action in the matter.

May I ask whether the Board of Trade endorse the view taken by the Port of London Authority upon this very important matter, and, if they do not endorse that view, will they bring pressure to bear upon the Port of London Authority to assume this responsibility?

That is a matter of legal obligation, and I think there is no doubt the Board of Trade have no power to use any pressure upon the Port of London Authority.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the West-phalian Coal Syndicate, in Germany, grant a bonus of 2.50 Marks per metric ton on fuel destined for use in the manufacture of iron for export and obtained from the syndicate; whether the Pig Iron Syndicate, in Germany, grant an export bonus of 6.25 Marks per metric ton on pig iron bought from the syndicate and used for export; and whether the Boiled Wire Syndicate, in Germany, give 11.50 Marks per ton bonus on exported wire?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement on this subject given at page 655 of the "Board of Trade Journal" for the 12th March last, of which I am sending him a copy. He will see from this that the export bounties in question have been reduced from 2½ to 1½ Marks per ton in the case of coal, and from 6½ to 4¾ Marks per ton in the case of pig iron.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that Major Pringle has announced that the rest of the inquiry into the railway collision at Burntisland is to be held in private, on the ground that privacy is in the interest of the parties concerned; and if he will say whether it is in the interests of the railway servants or in that of the management of the railway company that the inquiry is to be held in private?

It was considered to be desirable in the interests of some of the railway men concerned in the accident that some of the evidence should be taken in private.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the number of resolutions passed by local authorities urging the necessity for further legislation to reduce the amount of smoke emitted by chimneys and furnaces, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to afford the House an opportunity of discussing the question at an early date?

I am about to appoint a Committee to consider the question of smoke abatement. The names of the members will be announced in a few days. In the circumstances it does not appear necessary to take the course suggested by the Noble Lord.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will amend the Notification of Infectious Diseases Act, by Order or otherwise, in such manner as to make it compulsory on the part of private medical attendants to inform parents as to the nature of the illness of their children and its infectious character, and advise as to the exclusion of children from school pending the arrival of the medical officer of health; and whether he is aware that this proposal is recommended by several public officers of health?

I am aware that a suggestion of this kind has been made in the report of a medical officer of health, but I have received no representations on the subject. Legislation would be required to give effect to the suggestion, and I am not at present convinced of the necessity for adopting compulsion in this matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what is the average rate of pay of scavengers in the cities of Liverpool and Man chester, respectively?

I am informed that in Liverpool the rates of pay range from 25s. to 27s. per week. The men are employed fifty-one hours per week and are entitled to six days holiday annually with pay. In Manchester a uniform rate of 26s. per week is paid.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Priory Hotel, Beauly, Inverness-shire was burned down on 1st October last, and no business has been or could be carried on there since that date; if he is aware that the Inland Revenue authorities have refused to recognise the proprietor's claim for repayment of the proportion of the Licence Duty applicable to the time when it was impossible to carry on the business for which the licence was granted; and if he will say on what grounds his claim has been refused?

There is no power to repay Licence Duty in such circumstances. The risk of loss, as in the ease of rent in similar contingencies, would appear to be a proper subject for insurance.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, as a result of difficulties at Butlock's Heath council school, Hampshire, it was stated by the local authority in July last that the head teacher should find another school; that now the continuance of this schoolmaster in the school gives rise to discontent amongst parents and others; and whether he will urge the local education authority to carry out their policy of finding another position for this teacher?

In reply to the first part of the question, I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on the 6th August last. As regards the second part of the question, no information to that effect has reached me, and I still think that no occasion has arisen which would warrant me in interfering with the discretion of the local education authority in the administration of their area.

Seeing that the local authority stated this gentleman ought to be moved last August, can the hon. Gentleman say why he was not moved until the April of the following year?

I understand the school is proceeding satisfactorily.

But it appears it is not proceeding satisfactory.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is generally regretted in the locality that the local education authority has broken their word by not removing this teacher?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any difficulty is experienced in getting suitable recruits for the Metropolitan Police force and in retaining their services on a permanent basis?

No difficulty is experienced in getting and keeping suitable recruits.

Is the number normal?

I should like notice of that question.

asked how many sergeants and constables are at present receiving no advance in pay in respect of the increase granted to the Metropolitan Police during last year; and how many sergeants and constables are receiving the increase?

Five hundred and fifty-two section sergeants and 4,221 constables are receiving increased pay. One thousand three hundred and fifty-seven of the former and 13,097 of the latter receive no immediate benefit, but can look forward both to increased pay and to increased pensions.

After how many years' service will they get the increased pay?

That will depend upon how many years they have served.

Will the period date from the commencement of their service?

I should like notice of that question.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that members of the Metropolitan Police force labour under a sense of hardship because they receive no periodic advance, while their comrades in northern boroughs, who start in some cases at a higher minimum, are receiving a periodic advance, although, according to the Board of Trade Returns, London is a dearer centre as regards the cost of living; and is the question receiving consideration?

Provision is made for a periodic advance in pay in all ranks of the Metropolitan Police. The question of the pay of the Metropolitan Police has received my consideration, and a few months ago I had the satisfaction of granting an increase which immediately benefited a large part of the force, and materially improved the prospects of a still larger number.

asked what is the pay of a Metropolitan Police constable with between eight and fifteen years' service; how does it compare with the pay in 1905, taking into account the depreciated purchasing power of the sovereign as compared with that year; and are the real wages on that basis now less or more?

The increasing cost of living has not been lost sight of in considering the pay of a Metropolitan Police constable, which for a man of from eight to fifteen years of service is now 35s. The pay was raised in 1901 from a scale of 24s. to 32s. to a scale of 25s. 6d. to 33s. 6d.; and in 1911 it was raised to a scale of 27s. to 35s. for men of less than fifteen years of service. In addition, rent aid, which is drawn by nearly three-quarters of the constables in the force, was in 1904 raised from 1s. 6d. to a scale of 1s. 6d. to 2s. 6d. a week.

Does the right hon. Gentleman draw from that an answer in the affirmative or negative to the last part of the question?

That would be a matter of very careful calculation.

asked whether the Home Secretary has made inquiries into the treatment of boys in the House Boys Brigade at Westminster; and what is the result of the inquiries?

I am informed by the London County Council that there has been some contravention of the by-laws under the Employment of Children Act, 1903, and under the Elementary Education Acts at the institutions mentioned. They have called the attention of the authorities of the institutions to both these matters, and have arranged that any inmates under fourteen years of age shall attend public elementary schools. I am making further inquiry on one or two other points, but in the meantime I think it right to say that the Report of the Inspection of Homes Association shows the boys in the institutions are happy, and the tone excellent.

asked whether he has given permission to the Commissioner of Police to license boys of sixteen years of age to assist conductors on tramcars; whether men have been employed by the London County Council in the past to do this work; and, if so, whether he can state the reason for the change?

The London County Council represented to the Commissioner that the employment of lads to assist the conductors of tramcars might conduce to the safety of the passengers, and on his recommendation I have authorised him to issue licences to lads over sixteen to act as assistant conductors on Metropolitan stage-carriages. The arrangement will first be tried experimentally on one or two routes, and extended to others if found successful. These assistants will be additional to the existing staff; they will, I am informed, in no case displace either the regular conductors or those additional conductors now employed to collect fares during hours when trams are crowded.

If the boys are employed, is it necessary to license them at all, and do they act as conductors; is it not a fact that the London County Council are employing men to do this extra work?

The latter part of my answer will explain that these lads are employed as assistant conductors over and above the conductors now employed by the London County Council.

Is it not a fact that men are being employed for that auxiliary work instead of boys; because they are not licensed they cannot act as conductors?

I cannot agree with my hon. Friend's interpretation.