asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there are any cases on record of foreign subjects having committed breaches of the law on ships flying the British flag being tried in the country to which they belong, or whether inter national law prescribes without any qualification that the offences shall be investigated in the country where the ship is registered; whether British Consuls have any latitude in deciding points which may arise in connection with the matter; and whether, to avoid the imprisonment at the expense of the British taxpayer of foreigners who have no connection what ever with this country, he will consider the possibility of making arrangements for offenders, when willing, to be tried in the country to which they belong?

This is not a matter of international law or discretion, but of the municipal law of this country. A person who commits a crime on a British ship on the high seas does so within the jurisdiction of the British Courts, and must, under British law, be tried and punished accordingly. Any arrangement such as that suggested by the hon. Baronet would involve an alteration of the criminal law of this country, which would not, in my opinion, be likely to commend itself to this House.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if any progress has been made for a national seed-testing station; and if Cambridge has been given the work?

The Board have recently made exhaustive inquiries into the condition of the seed trade in England and Wales and into the methods of seed-testing stations abroad. The question of establishing a seed-testing station in England is now being considered in the light of the information so obtained.

asked where the sugar beet, amounting to 8,000 cwts., which was charged duty in 1873–4, as reported in the Inland Revenue Commissioners' Report [Cd. 4474] of 1885, was grown; and what was the duty charged?

The sugar beet in question appears to have Been grown in the neighbourhood of Lavenham, Suffolk. The duty from 1870 to May, 1873, was from 4s. to 6s. per cwt., and from 1873 to 1874 from 2s. to 3s. per cwt.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether there are any employés in his Department twenty-three years of age and on full time earning less than 22s. a week; and whether he proposes, on the lines of the Post Office, to raise their wages to that amount?

There are nine men employed directly by the Board. Their case is under consideration.

asked the hon. Member for St. George' s-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners (1) whether any schemes have been approved for the payment of subsistence allowances and compensation for loss of remunerative time to members of insurance committees under Section 31 (1) of the National Insurance Act, 1913; whether the Commissioners propose to issue a circular to the insurance committees on the subject for their guidance in drawing up the schemes; and (2) whether any insurance committee has been waiting for six months to receive a reply to their inquiry as to the principles to be adopted in drafting their scheme for the payment of subsistence allowances and compensation for loss of remunerative time to members of insur- ance committees under Section 31 (1) of the National Insurance Act, 1913; whether the Insurance Commissioners have fixed any date from which the payment will be made retrospective; and whether a flat rate for compensation for loss of remunerative time would receive the sanction of the Commissioners?

No schemes have as yet been approved, but in this connection I would refer to my reply of the 11th May to the hon. Member for Salisbury. A model scheme has, however, been prepared by the Commissioners, and is now being issued for the guidance of insurance committees in drafting their own schemes.

asked whether Regulations with regard to the position of the casual workmen under the National Insurance Act are being drafted; and whether the views of approved societies largely affected have been asked for or have been received?

A scheme under Section 19 of the National Insurance Act, 1913, is now in preparation for the Port of London. Nothing in the scheme now contemplated will affect in any way the arrangements of approved societies. A draft special Order will be published shortly, and my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider any suggestion from societies whose members are affected by it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the scheme promised by Mr. Masterman at the by-election at Bethnal Green is yet ready for launching?

The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that the scheme presents great difficulties.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is yet ready to be launched?

No; but a special Order will be, as I say, published shortly.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, if his attention has been called to the case of Sidney Bryant, of Peckham, an insured contributor under the National Insurance Act, who has for some time been suffering from tuberculosis; if he has been examined by the medical officer of the insurance committee and certified as a case for sanatorium treatment; if so, what is the date when Bryant was examined; and whether sanatorium accommodation has yet been provided for him?

The person referred to was examined by the medical adviser of the Insurance Committee on the 27th April and recommended for sanatorium benefit on his advice. Arrangements are being made for his entering an appropriate institution in the course of a few days, and in the meantime he has been receiving domiciliary treatment.

Will he be having the treatment necessary for him during this week?

Oh, yes, Sir, I hope so.

asked why Form Medical 32 of the Insurance Commissioners was withdrawn; and whether, in view of the complaints consequent upon the inability of insured persons to obtain medical benefit owing to the difficulty of obtaining a medical card, the Commissioners will reissue Form Medical 32, making it obtainable from such persons' approved society only?

The form referred to was part of the system which has now been superseded, and its adoption is incompatible with the present system. The form of application for a medical card which takes its place is obtainable at all post offices, and no difficulty should be experienced by insured persons in securing a medical card upon application.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is still unanimity amongst approved societies as to the advantages of this Medical Form 32, enabling members to get their medical treatment very much quicker than under the present system?

No, Sir, I am not aware that approved societies desire to go back to the system that has been superseded.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can arrange for hon. Members interested in unemployment insurance as well as health insurance to be given an opportunity of taking part in the Committee stages of both amending Bills if they wish to do so?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet made any arrangement with the Chancellor of the Exchequer by which the Committee stages of the Health and Unemployment Insurance Amending Bills shall not be taken at the same time, so as to allow hon. Members who are interested in both sections an opportunity of discussing them?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet made any arrangement with the President of the Board of Trade so that the Committee stages of the Health and Unemployment Insurance Amending Bills may not be taken simultaneously upstairs?

In answer to the three questions, my right hon. Friend hopes this may be found possible.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, why the latter refused to allow a Welsh flag to be flown on Carnarvon Castle on St. David's Day when requested by the Carnarvon Town Council; whether the matter was referred to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as constable of the castle; whether the reason for refusal was because the Carnarvon Town Council and the Chancellor of the Exchequer wanted to fly a flag which is not the standard of Wales; and whether in future a correct Welsh standard will be kept at all Welsh castles, maintained by the Office of Works, to be flown upon St. David's Day and the anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon?

A request was made in February, 1913, by the town clerk of Carnarvon to fly the Welsh Dragon on Carnarvon Castle on St. David's Day. The First Commissioner does not think that the Dragon is the national flag of Wales. On these grounds he felt some hesitation in granting permission. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was abroad at the time of application and could not be consulted. The First Commissioner is taking the opinion of the Heralds College as to whether there is a Welsh national flag, and, if so, what is the correct heraldic design.

If the hon Gentleman looks above Mr. Speaker's Chair, he will see a shield of the correct standard for Wales.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that a number of persons interested in the animal industry of Great Britain have protested against the embargo imposed by local authorities against Irish live stock; and whether he can state the most recent arrangements regulating movement and quarantine, with the object of facilitating free trade in the United Kingdom?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether that part of Ireland lying east of the Barrow is as free from foot-and-mouth disease as the counties north of the Boyne; and, if so, will he allow the same privileges to the people of both districts in the shipment of live stock to British markets?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is now in a position to announce any modification of the present restrictions on the importation of fat and store cattle from Ireland?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state whether he received a copy of a resolution from the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce; and whether he will take steps to relax the restrictions on the shipment of store cattle from the North of Ireland to the extent of reducing the four days' detention period in the lairages to ten hours as heretofore as, unless this is done, injury will be wrought to the interests of the trade both in Ireland and in Great Britain?

I am aware that objection has been raised to the action of the local authorities, and in view of the fact that there has been no extension of the area affected with foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland, I hope that they will now see their way to withdraw their regulations. With regard to the second part of the question, the Board have decided, after consultation with the Irish Department, to issue a new Order to-morrow, allowing animals from any port in the northern part of Ireland to be landed on and after Friday next at Ayr, Barrow-in-Furness, Fleetwood, Glasgow, Greenock, Heysham, Stranraer, and the Wallasey lairage at Birkenhead, subject to ten hours' detention at the landing-place, after which they will be released without further restriction; animals shipped from ports in the south-eastern part of Ireland, namely Dublin, Rosslare, Waterford, and Wexford, will also be admitted to the Woodside lairage at Birkenhead, Bristol (Avonmouth), Cardiff, Deptford, and Manchester for slaughter at the landing-place within ninety-six hours, and to Bristol (Cumberland Basin), Fishguard, Holyhead, and Silloth, subject to four days' quarantine at the port, after which they may be moved by licence to specified premises where they will be kept under observation for a further period of fourteen days unless slaughtered in the meantime.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the local authorities to have the movement of live stock facilitated, so that the trade can be carried on?

It is only the Scottish counties that have in force the restrictions to which the hon. Member refers. I am keeping them informed of the position in Ireland as we ascertain it day by day.

May I ask whether this ten hours' detention applies to lambs? Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to allow lambs to proceed to their destination, to be slaughtered immediately on arrival from Ireland, without that detention at Holyhead or any other port?

I think the hon. Member will recognise that the ten hours' detention is the same period as in the Regulations under which landing was conducted last year and this year when the outbreak occurred. It is that ten hours that will apply to all animals alike.

Will not the admission of this cattle into England make foreign countries less likely to open their ports for our pedigree cattle? As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, we are very anxious to have those ports open as soon as possible?

The only relaxation of Regulations material to that point is in regard to the northern ports of Ireland, where, as far as anyone can ascertain, there have been no cases whatever of foot-and-mouth disease during the present year. The relaxation with regard to the south-east corner of Ireland is under very severe restrictions, and such foreign countries as wish to know about it are being fully informed. It is a matter of opinion, but I am told that it will not have any effect whatever on the export trade.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any protest to the local authorities in Scotland who continue their embargo against Irish cattle; and is not the action of these authorities a reflection on the officers of the right hon. Gentleman's own Department?

It would be quite improper for me to protest against the action of the county authorities. They are charged with the duty of protecting their areas from disease, and all I can do is to make representations to them as to the position in England and Ireland, so that they may not take action on wrong grounds.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in the case of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, he will consider the advisability of adopting the English method of dealing with the disease, namely, to draw a cordon at a radius of, say, fifteen miles around the place where the disease exists and allow the trade in livestock to pursue its normal course in unrestricted areas?

Whenever the circumstances appear to warrant such a course, the Department are desirous of limiting its action in the manner suggested in this question. In dealing, however, with an oubreak of serious dimensions, it is only prudent, having regard to the extent to which interchange of stock normally occurs between different parts of Ireland, that the more ordinary safeguards should be reinforced by further precautions designed to protect the unaffected areas of the country.

May I ask why it is necessary to adopt much more stringent precautionary measures in Ireland than in similar circumstances in Great Britain?

The reason ought to be obvious. Ireland is a great agricultural country, and the precautionary measures necessary to be taken in England are very different to those necessary in Ireland in these circumstances.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether he will change the line which runs across Ireland from Oranmore to Mornington, county Meath, so that it will run via Kilmessan to Skerries, county Dublin, to enable people living in the neigh bourhood of Drogheda to ship their cattle at that port?

I regret that at the present moment it is not practicable to alter the boundary line as suggested.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when he is likely to alter it?

If things continue to go on as I am glad to say they are—with the exception of a very small area in one portion of the county Cork, there is no foot-and-mouth disease, and this line is kept up at the present time merely as a matter of precaution—I hope very soon to be able to remove it.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether it is by a prohibition of his Department that the Great Northern Railway Company will not accept bookings of cattle from the stations of Duleek or Beauparc, county Meath, for either the ports or markets of Dublin or the port of Drogheda; and, if so, will he state the reason for the order?

The stations of Duleek and Beauparc are on the northern side of the boundary line, but cattle from the district south of the line cannot be booked at these stations, which are only available for stock from the northern area.

rose to ask Question No 38.

The hon. Member has now exhausted his right.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the West Derby, Birch-field Road Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition of approval that the amount received from fees should be taken in reduction of the fee grant; whether he will state what educational benefit, if any, was alleged by the local authority at the time the fees were sanctioned; whether the sanction of the Board has been reconsidered from time to time as provided by the Statute; whether he will again consider the sanction of fees in this school and discontinue such sanction unless now satisfied that the imposition of a fee is required according to the Statute; and, if he is satisfied that the fee is for the educational benefit of the district, whether he will state fully what that educational benefit is to-day; (2) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the West Derby, Lister Drive Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition of approval that the amount received from fees should be taken in reduction of the fee grant; whether he will state what educational benefit, if any, was alleged by the local authority at the time the fees were sanctioned; whether the sanction of the Board has been reconsidered from time to time, as provided by the Statute; whether he will again consider the sanction of fees in this school, and discontinue such sanction unless now satisfied that the imposition of a fee is required according to the Statute; and, if he is satisfied that the fee is for the educational benefit of the district, whether he will state fully what that educational benefit is to-day; and (3) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the West Derby, Rathbone Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition of approval that the amount received from fees should be taken in reduction of the fee grant; whether he will state what educational benefit, if any, was alleged by the local authority at the time the fees were sanctioned; whether the sanction of the Board has been reconsidered from time to time, as provided by the Statute; whether he will again consider the sanction of fees in this school and discontinue such sanction unless now satisfied that the imposition of a fee is required according to the Statute; and, if he is satisfied that the fee is for the educational benefit of the district, whether he will state fully what that educational benefit is to-day?

Fees were sanctioned in the West Derby (Birch-field Road) Council School on the 15th January, 1901; in the Lister Drive Council School on the 5th March, 1908; in the Rathbone Council School on the 14th August, 1896. In none of these cases was it made a condition of approval that the amount received should be taken in reduction of fee grant. In each case the application was based on a change in the population of the district. The Statute does not appear to require a periodical reconsideration of the fees; it only enables such reconsideration to be made. It does not appear that in the case of these schools any occasion has arisen for reconsideration. I am informed by His Majesty's inspector that the Birchfield Road School is provided with rooms for practical work, including cookery and laundry rooms and a bath and gymnasium; and the Rathbone School is provided with rooms for practical work, an art room, a cookery room, and a bath; and that the standard of work in the Lister Drive School is high.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say definitely whether these educational facilities and advantages are really made the greater by charging fees, and is it not necessary, according to the Act, that the charging of fees should make the educational facilities the greater?

I think that the local authorities, if they do charge fees, may be expected to provide rather special facilities and equipment in their schools.

Are there not a great many authorities that provide all these additional facilities without charging fees?

Yes, there are.

Why, then, do not they do it all over?

Is it necessary to make an apology for every fee collection? Is it not a proper proceeding?

I am not making any apologies.

asked how many assistant school inspectors have been appointed since 4th August, 1913; how many have been appointed before and since that date; how many are now working at their duties of inspecting elementary schools; and whether it is intended to appoint at an early date any more elementary teachers as assistant school inspectors?

Twenty-one assistant inspectors have been appointed up to the present time. Of these fifteen were selected for appointment before 4th August, 1913, and six after that date. Twenty are now engaged in the inspection of elementary schools. I propose shortly to appoint some more persons with experience of teaching in elementary schools to be assistant inspectors, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of an announcement, relating to seven vacancies, recently made in the Press on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) whether, with reference to the Merthyr Roman Catholic school case, he can state why the teacher was dismissed and what provision has been made for the instruction of the children while the school has been closed; and whether he can state why no inquiry has been held; and (2) whether seventeen Roman Catholic teachers have been dismissed against the will of the managers in the Merthyr Roman Catholic school case?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of all the circumstances of the case, he will direct an inquiry to be made concerning the Dowlais school dispute?

The local education authority informed the Board on the 16th April that, having regard to the diminished number of children in attendance at the school, they had requested the managers to give notice to any assistant teachers whose services were not required, and that as the managers refused to carry out this direction they had given certain assistant teachers at the school one month's notice of dismissal on 1st April. So far as I am aware, the school has not been closed, but I understand that a large number of children have been withdrawn from it. The Board have held no inquiry because no question up to now had arisen which would enable the Board to intervene under the provisions of the Education Act, 1902. I am now, however, informed by the correspondent of the managers that they intend to appeal to the Board against the action of the local education authority. On receipt of an appeal disclosing grounds which give the Board jurisdiction, I shall be prepared to hold a public inquiry.

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that the assistant teachers who were dismissed were going to be replaced by teachers not of the same religious faith as the denomination of the school?

I have not heard what is the religious faith of the assistant teachers.

When is the inquiry to which the right hon. Gentleman alludes to be held?

If an appeal comes from the managers at once I shall be prepared at once to appoint an officer of the Board to go down and hold an inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has seen the education estimates for the current year of the Macclesfield education authority; whether he is aware that £270 is therein estimated to be received as elementary school fees, of which £220 is to be returned to the managers of voluntary schools; and whether he will call for a report from his inspector upon the incidence and effect of these school pence?

I have not yet seen the estimates in question, but for the latest year for which I have particulars, the amounts received and returned to the managers were, approximately, as stated in the question. I am not aware that any occasion has arisen for the report suggested.

Is there any educational advantage gained by fees in this case, and any return in the reduction of rates?

I should like to have notice of that.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether any person failing to give notice of disease with all practicable speed is guilty of an offence under a Sub-section of Section 52 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894; whether any person convicted of a second offence under the same Subsection within a period of twelve months is liable to imprisonment at the discretion of the Court; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have the law on the subject made as widely known as possible?

The answer to both questions is in the affirmative.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether he proposes to take advantage of Sub-section (7) of Section 20 of the Contagious Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, which enables him to withhold, either wholly or partially, compensation or other payment in respect of an animal slaughtered under the Act by their order where the owner has, in the judgment of the Board, been guilty of an offence against the Act, such as failing to give notice of disease with all practicable speed, and thereby commits an offence as denned by Sub-section (2), Section 52, of the same Act?

This question is being considered by the Law Officers of the Crown.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether, if the public interest require the destruction of gooseberry bushes affected with American mildew, there is any and, if so, what machinery for compensating the owners for the loss of what in many cases is the sole means of livelihood of an industrious class; and, if at present there is no power to compensate, will he consider the introduction of a short Bill enabling compensation to be awarded for the loss of income?

The county council may grant compensation in such cases. The Department have no power to do so.

Can the Department state the value of the portions destroyed?

Yes, there are inspectors that perform that service.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether he is aware that complaints have been made that inspectors from his Department have visited gardens where American gooseberry mildew existed and, without undergoing any process of disinfection, proceeded to healthy gardens owned by other people; and whether such conduct is in accordance with the practice of the Department?

It is true that a few such complaints have been made, but on inquiry the Department were satisfied that all necessary precautions were taken by the inspectors.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture whether, by order of his Department, a number of gooseberry bushes were destroyed in county Meath because of the existence of what is known as American mildew; and will he say under what Section or Sub-section of what Act he claims the power to destroy on a wholesale scale the bushes which were the sole means of livelihood of a number of people without awarding any compensation whatever?

The answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. The procedure is under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, 1877 and 1907.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, by order of his Department, any and, if so, "what quantity of gooseberry bushes were destroyed because of the existence of American mildew; were the owners compensated; and, if so, out of what sources?

No gooseberry bushes have been destroyed by order of the Board since 1908. A few were destroyed in that year, but no compensation was paid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the schemes of a charitable or eleemosynary character of local or general utility drawn up by Welsh county councils under the provisions of the Established Church (Wales) Bill require ratification by him or by the Local Government Board, or by both, before they can be put in operation?

Ratification is necessary by the Secretary of State, but not by the Local Government Board.

Does that imply a reflection on all future schemes or only upon charitable schemes?

I should have notice of that question. I should not like to answer a point of law without notice.

asked the Prime Minister if, seeing that the Parliament Act, 1911, provides that the House of Commons may, if they think fit, suggest Amendments to Bills in the second or third Sessions, he will say by what means he has ascertained that the House of Commons does not think fit to consider or make suggestions for amending the Established Church (Wales) Bill?

The Government have no reason to doubt that they have the support of the majority of the House in the course which they have recommended.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the House had no opportunity, and does the Prime Minister think he is to be the sole arbiter of what the House does?

May I ask whether he is aware that last Session no Suggestions were put down at all to the Welsh Church Bill, and if the Welsh Church Bill could not be amended by Suggestions last year? is it likely that' it is any worse this year?

I understand that the subject was debated at some length last week, and I am not sure that there was not a Division upon it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister said it would be out of order, and he spoke upon it, and before he spoke he said it was not strictly in order?

At all events, I know there was some discussion upon the point last year.

asked whether the Welsh county councils are required to make separate schemes for the application of the residue of the ecclesiastical endowments of each parish in Wales as the lives of existing incumbents terminate under the provisions of the Established Church (Wales) Bill; and whether the Welsh Com missioners have power to raise a loan in order that all the schemes may be brought into operation simultaneously?

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

asked whether the Welsh county councils will make schemes under the Established Church (Wales) Bill for spending the ancient parochial endowments of the Church in those parishes where some part of the endowment is alienated from the Church, or whether parishes where the whole of the existing endowments, being subsequent to 1662, are transferred to the Representative Church Body participate in these schemes?

There is nothing in the Bill to prevent any parish or parishes from participating in the benefits under schemes drawn up by county councils under the Act, but all such schemes will be subject to the provisions of Section 19 (2) and the approval of the Secretary of State before they come into operation.

Does that mean that money which comes from one parish may be spent in another parish?

It can be spent in another parish under a separate scheme. The county councils will have regard to the interests of the parish from which the money is taken.

Not exclusive regard?

No, not exclusive regard.

asked if the Home Secretary will state what steps he has taken to fulfil the undertaking, given to the hon. Member for Chelsea on 28th January and 3rd February, 1913, to inquire into certain properties formerly owned by the chapters of Gloucester and Westminster and now annexed to Welsh benefices, and, in the event of his being satisfied that the properties are English in origin, to amend the Established Church (Wales) Bill so as to ensure their retention by the Representative Body?

I suggested during the discussion of this question on the 28th January and 3rd February, 1913, that it might be necessary, if the Amendment of the hon. Member for Chelsea was pressed, to reopen a number of other questions with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In accordance with the undertaking I gave to the House, I discussed this and a number of other matters with the secretary to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and subsequently addressed a number of questions to the Commissioners. On their reply I came to the conclusion that to reopen the question might result in a very protracted inquiry, and I decided to allow the matter to remain where it was.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman is going to take no steps to carry out the pledge as to readjusting these finances?

I have carried out every pledge that I gave.

Does that mean that under the provisions of the Bill a certain part of admittedly English property will be appropriated by the State?

No, Sir. That property is not admitted to be English property.

I beg to ask the Home Secretary a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is now in a position to give the names of the Commissioners whom it is proposed to appoint under the Established Church (Wales) Bill?

Yes, Sir:—

The Right Hon. Sir Henry Primrose,

Sir William Plender, and

My hon. Friend, the Member for West Denbighshire (Sir J. H. Roberts).

asked the Secretary for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the discovery of an alleged volume of the Black Prince's Diary; whether he proposes to secure it for the nation; and whether it has previously been in the possession of the nation?

Yes, Sir. I am informed by the Public Record Office that the document has certainly not been in the possession of the nation since the beginning of the nineteenth century, and that the question of securing it for the nation is receiving their attention.

asked the Prime Minister whether any lieutenants of counties, deputy lieutenants, justices of the peace, or others holding public rank or distinction were concerned in the recent gun-running exploits in Ulster; and, if so, whether they are to be allowed to retain those offices of public confidence?

This matter is at present under consideration.

Does that mean that some of these gentlemen are involved?

I apprehend it does.

asked the Prime Minister whether indictments were drawn against any persons concerned in the re cent importation of arms into Ulster; if so, against what persons were these indictments drawn; and on what grounds were they not proceeded with?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the nature of the other steps which are being taken in connection with the recent importation of arms into Ulster in lieu of the appropriate steps indicated by him on 27th April?

asked the Prime Minister if he will now state what steps have been taken in connection with the importation of arms and ammunition into Ulster to vindicate the authority of the law and to protect the officers and servants of the King and His Majesty's subjects?

I do not think it desirable to make any statement on the subject at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be prepared to make a statement on this matter?

I am replying on behalf of my right hon. Friend and I cannot answer that question.

I will repeat my question on Wednesday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Bill to amend the Government of Ireland Bill will be introduced into the House of Commons or the House of Lords; and whether he will state on what date such Bill will be introduced?

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to introduce the amending Bill to the Government of Ireland Bill?

My right hon. Friend cannot yet make a statement on this subject.

Will the amending Bill be introduced before the Third Reading of the Home Rule Bill is taken?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House of Lords has never introduced a Reform Bill?

When will the Prime Minister be able to make a statement on this subject?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question now.

Are there any precedents for amending a Bill by a Bill?

Is there any precedent for bringing on the Third Reading of a Bill under the conditions that it is proposed to bring on the Third Reading of the Home Rule Bill?

It is under a new Act of Parliament, the Parliament Act.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of an amending Bill being brought forward to amend the terms of the Government of Ireland Bill, it is proposed to amend Clause 14 of that Bill, which seeks to enact that the cost of Irish services shall be provided for by the Irish Parliament, and that any charge for the benefit of the Local Taxation Account or any Grant out of moneys provided by the Imperial Parliament, so far as made for Irish services, shall cease; and, if not, in what way it is proposed to give a subvention of £630,000 to such Local Taxation Account in relief of rates?

As regards the first part of the question, I am not prepared to anticipate the terms of the amending Bill. For the rest, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Windsor and North Meath on Tuesday last.

Is there going to be a financial amending Bill as well as the other amending Bill?

I do not think I can add anything to the answer I have given.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he will let the House have copies of the Clauses of the Finance or Revenue Bill which deal with the Grants to Ireland referred to in his Budget Statement before the discussion of the Financial Resolution relating to the Government of Ireland Bill?

I think the Finance Bill may be circulated to-morrow, but in case it may not be I may inform the hon. and learned Gentleman that the provisions in question will be of a simple character giving the Irish Government their share of the proposed new Grants and leaving it to them to deal with when the time arrives.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer give the House any information respecting recent movements of troops in the vicinity of Belfast?

I have made some inquiry, but have no information at all as to any movements.

Of which Army?

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has no official information of the movement of troops? Does he not know that they were of a very provocative character, and took place at a time when the Government are doing their best to bring about a peaceful settlement.

The Government are not prepared to assent to the proposition that the movement of troops carrying rifles in Ireland is a provocative step.

Is it the case or not, as reported in the newspapers, that Craigavon was surrounded by troops?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is proposed to hold any inquiry into the causes of the two recent tramcar and motor omnibus accidents in London, in which a large number of persons were injured?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As regards the tramway accident that occurred on the Embankment at the corner of Blackfriars Bridge on the 11th instant, an inspecting officer of the Board of Trade visited the scene of the accident and also examined the car that caused the collision. I am now considering his report with a view of deciding whether a formal inquiry is necessary. I understand that the Home Office have no authority to hold formal inquiries into accidents to motor omnibuses, but the circumstances are investigated by the police with a view to ascertaining whether proceedings should be instituted against any of the persons concerned.

Do I understand that the Board of Trade have power to order an inquiry into a tramway accident, but that they have not power in the case of a motor bus accident other than by taking proceedings?

That is so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a permanent training camp, which will be available next year, has been selected in Wicklow for the battalions of the Special Reserve that were hitherto trained at the Heath camp, Maryborough, Queen's County; whether it is intended sending-these battalions, as a temporary expedient, for training to Cork this year; if the sending of the battalions to Cork will involve an extra cost of £1,000; and whether, taking into consideration the extra cost involved and the fact that since last year's training a considerable sum has been spent on improving the range at the Heath camp, he will consider the desirability of abandoning the temporary expedient and retain the battalions on the Heath camp this year, especially in view of a permanent camp being established in Wicklow next year?

The facts are substantially as stated by the hon. Member. The reasons for discontinuing Special Reserve trainings at Heath Camp, Maryborough, are the inadequacy of the range and training accommodation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any other reason for moving these troops from a part of Ireland with which they have been so long associated?

No, Sir; not that I am aware of. It is entirely owing to the inadequacy of the range and the accommodation.

asked if it is with the sanction or by the orders of the Army Council that the right observance of two Sundays in May is interfered with by those days being chosen for the beginning and the ending of the annual training of more than one regiment of Territorial Cavalry?

The dates of the annual trainings of Territorial Force units are in most cases approved locally. Where movements to or from camp take place on Sundays it would be to suit the convenience of the men by interfering as little as possible with their civil employments and to meet difficulties as regards railway traffic.

May I ask whether this discouragement of the due observance of those two Sundays in May has the sanction or approval of the War Office or the Army Council?

As I stated in my answer, these movements are first approved in most cases locally and then by the War Office, and so the answer to the hon. Member's question would be in the affirmative.

Is the hon. Member aware that the reason these movements take place on Sunday is generally to suit the convenience of the railway companies, who state that they cannot carry them on other days?

That is what I stated in my answer.

Is it not also for the convenience of the units that are moved, and are not the commanding officers consulted in most cases?

Yes, that is so.

asked whether the new regulations for the probationary training of officers of the Special Reserve have yet been published; and whether he is aware that the delay in publishing them is increasing the difficulty of commanding officers in obtaining subaltern officers?

The new regulations have not been issued yet, but they will, it is anticipated, be included in next month's Army Orders.

asked whether it has been decided to abandon the annual training of the Special Reserve in Ulster this year; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for this decision?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part, therefore, does not arise.

Is the training of the North of Ireland and the South of Ireland Forces going to be held or abandoned this year?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the total number of Regular troops at pre sent stationed in the United Kingdom; whether he will state what number of men it is estimated would be required to repel an invasion by a foreign army of 70,000 men; how long a period would be necessary to mobilise these; and if he will state what number of men would be required, in the light of the information now avail able, to subdue Ulster in the event of civil war being provoked in that province?

The answer to the first part of the question is approximately 125,000. With regard to the second and third parts, it is not possible to deal with matters of this kind by question and answer in the House. I would, however, refer the hon. Member to the Debates on this subject in 1908. With regard to the last part, I am not prepared to reply to hypothetical questions.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the new Grant to local education authorities will be paid in respect of parishes where the amount to be met by rates for elementary education exceeds the produce of a rate of 1s. 6d. in the £, even if the produce of the rate for elementary education of the local education authority in whose area a parish of the above description is situated is less than the produce of a rate of 1s. 6d. in the £?

asked similar questions.

If the area as a whole is not necessitous ( i.e ., if the expenditure as a whole falling upon rates does not exceed the produce of an eighteenpence rate over the whole) then no Grant will be paid, even though the area contains parishes which are obliged through the operation of Section 18 of the Act of 1902 to raise rates exceeding eighteenpence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some areas this will act very hardly upon the individual parish, and that the result in some cases will be that you will be paying these Grants to areas where the rates are lower and withholding them from parishes where the rates are higher?