asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the grounds upon which it is proposed to differentiate between Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom in regard to the Grants proposed to be made in respect of public health service; and what the value of such concessions amounts to?

There is no differentiation as suggested by the hon. Member.

asked what proportion of the new Grants proposed in the Budget for the purpose of local government will be allotted to the administrative county of London under the different heads of public health, main roads, and education; and what is the total sum that will accrue during the present financial year as the share of the county of London?

So far as can be computed on such data as are at present available, the proposals of the Budget will result in additional Grants to the local authorities in the county of London, in the first year of full operation, of ap- proximately £1,500,000. In this estimate about £500,000 is on account of elementary education, and £250,000 under the head of public health. I am not in a position to give any separate figure for roads until the provisional classification of roads has been completed. In respect of the present financial year it is intended that the additional relief shall be approximately one-third of that which would accrue in a complete year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant the Return standing in the name of the hon. Member for North Shropshire?

Until the provisional classification of roads has been made, it is impossible to calculate, otherwise than roughly, the estimated receipts of local authorities under the new scheme of Grants proposed in the Budget. Detailed estimates published at the present time would necessarily be misleading, and it is desirable that any Return on the lines suggested should be deferred until the materials necessary for the calculations are complete.

asked what will be approximately the relief to rates in the county of Kent under the Budget proposals?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 6th instant to the hon. Member for the Eastern Division of Nottingham.

asked what is the estimated cost of the classification of roads under the proposals of the Budget; and by whom the cost is to be borne?

The Road Board will pay out of the Road Improvement Fund their expenses in connection with the classification of roads, estimated at about £8,000, and highway authorities will bear any expenses they may incur in submitting proposals to the Board.

asked whether, under the Budget proposals, it is intended that the roads at present under the control of various local highway authorities should, after classification, still remain under the same authorities, or whether it is proposed to transfer all roads coming within Class I. to the county authorities?

This is a matter for separate consideration. The legislation at present proposed will not deal with this point.

asked whether, under the proposals of the Budget, highway authorities are being asked to themselves prepare and send in the classification of the various roads in their areas; whether it is intended to accept this classification as a basis for Grants from the National Exchequer; and what expectation he has under this system of obtaining a classification on a uniform basis when it is left to the discretion of the respective county, rural, and urban councils throughout the country to hurriedly decide the basis on which the classification of their particular roads should be made?

The highway authorities have been asked by the Road Board to send in their proposals for classification, but the classification itself will be settled by the Road Board after consideration of those proposals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount that he expects to obtain by charging Estate Duty on every transfer of a settled estate; the amount he expects to lose by abolishing the Settlement Estate Duty; and the amount of deduction that he anticipates making from Estate Duties for Settlement Estate Duty already paid; whether this deduction includes interest; and, if so, at what rate; and if he will give these figures both for this year and for a full year?

It is expected that the amount of Estate Duty which will be obtained by charging it on every transfer of a settled estate not excluded by the terms of the Resolution, will be in the first year £395,000, and ultimately £3,400,000, and that the diminished revenue due to the abolition of Settlement Estate Duty will be in the first year £275,000, and ultimately £1,000,000. The amount of the deduction from Estate Duty for Settlement Estate Duty already paid, not including interest, is anticipated to be in the first year £44,000, rising to a maximum of £350,000 a year, but ultimately ceasing altogether.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the proposed Valuation Bill, he intends to dispense with the services of assessment committees for purposes of rating, or will he retain these bodies to deal with appeals relating to valuations?

I cannot anticipate the proposals of the Bill further than to say that it is intended to retain the services of the officials of the local assessment committees in the consideration of valuation lists for local purposes, but both the constitution and the functions of the committees will be subject to amendment.

asked what is the estimated relief to the rates in the North Riding of Yorkshire under his Budget proposals?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on the 6th instant to the hon. Member for the Eastern Division of Nottingham.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the allocation of extra funds for the police, as proposed in his Financial Statement, the central control of the Home Office will remain as it is, or whether it will be so increased as to ensure the efficient expenditure of the additional Grants?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It would be premature to anticipate the provisions of the Bill dealing with this matter. My hon. Friend may be assured that proper regard will be had to the question of efficiency.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the superannuation scheme for secondary school teachers and others, which he promised in his Budget Statement, will be given effect to by Act of Parliament or by Resolution?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am advised that legislation would be necessary to give effect to the scheme proposed by the Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the amount of Probate Duty raised in England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, during the past ten years?

The amount of Probate and kindred duties raised in England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, during the past ten years, is shown in the following table:— — Estate Duty, including Settlement Estate Duty. *Probate and Inventory Duty, including Acconut Duty. Totals. £ £ £ England … 139,143,623 450,579 139,594,202 Scotland … 16,957,968 46,137 17,004,105 Ireland … 6,073,269 37,166 6,110,435 United Kingdom … 162,174,860 533,882 162,708,742 * Probate Duty is chargeable only in connection with deaths occurring before the 2nd August, 1894.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the outstanding questions of detail regarding the proposals submitted by the Board of Trade to the Treasury in October last concerning the staff of the General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen have yet been disposed of; and, if not, whether he will appoint a Committee to completely reorganise the office on lines following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service?

The proposals referred to in the hon. Member's question have now been fully dealt with.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of duty collected on motor spirit, including both Home-made and imported spirit, during the year ending 31st March, 1914; and what was the total amount of repayment during the same year on account of motor spirit used for industrial or other purposes for which abatement or exemption is allowed?

The total amount of duty collected on Home-manufactured and imported motor spirit in the year ended 31st March, 1914, was £991,765. The amount actually repaid on account of motor spirit used for industrial or other purposes was £150,382, and in addition 4,829,892 gallons were delivered duty free for industrial purposes, representing an additional allowance of £60,374.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the total amount of Grants received by the Waterford County Council from the Road Board, and in respect of how many miles of steam-rolled roads have such Grants been made; what is the total expenditure by the county council on the road mileage towards which the Grants have been made; what further Grants have the Road Board agreed to make to the Waterford County Council; and what is the amount of the total expenditure for which the Board stipulates and towards which these Grants are to be a contribution?

The answer to the first part of the question is £1,828; to the second, about ten miles; to the third, £2,901; to the fourth, half the cost of improving certain sections of the Waterford-Cork Road; the other half of the cost being met by the county council out of a loan from the Board free of interest repayable in five annual instalments. The total cost is estimated at £6,188.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amounts paid in each of the financial years 1910–11, 1911–12, 1912–13, and 1913–14, in respect to Stamp Duties on settlements, distinguishing, if possible, between settlements of real property and personal property, respectively?

The duty comprised under the head "Settlement" in the Stamp Act, 1891, is only chargeable on "moneys, stocks, and securities," and the net receipt of that duty for the years mentioned was:— £ 1910–11 59,839 1911–12 56,119 1912–13 55,859 1913–14 (approximately) 64,500 Other Settlements, whether of real or personal property, may fall under different heads of charge—according as they are voluntary or founded on valuable consideration—but the yield of duty under those heads in respect of such Settlements cannot be distinguished.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of certificates made by medical practitioners, under Section 68 of the National Insurance Act, 1911 (which affords protection against distress and execution in certain cases), which have been recorded by insurance committees under that Section?

The desired information could not be obtained without a special return from all the 237 insurance committees in the United Kingdom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to deal with the present position of London waterside casual labour out of moneys provided by the Budget for National Health Insurance purposes?

A scheme for dealing with the insurance of casual labourers in the Port of London under the provisions of Section 19 of the National Insurance Act of 1913, is now in preparation and will be published at an early date. The cost of administering the scheme is provided for in the Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the position of the casual workman under the National Insurance Act, in relation to any regulations to be made by the Insurance Commissioners, is to be taken into consideration in allocating the Grant proposed in the Budget for national health insurance purposes?

The cost of administering any scheme for dealing with casual labour will not fall on the contributions of employed persons, but will be met from moneys provided by Parliament.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Estates Commissioners will give favourable consideration to the application of Michael Pender, representative of an evicted tenant, James Pender, who was evicted from a holding on the estate of Mrs. Nannie Edge, at Gurnaclea, Queen's County, in 1885; and whether, in the event of his application not having been received within the time specified by the Evicted Tenants Act, 1007, the Commissioners will bear in mind the circumstances of his eviction and grant him an allotment of any untenanted land they may acquire in the district in the near future?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Michael Pender for reinstatement in a holding on the Silcock Estate, Queen's County, formerly occupied by his father. The estate has been purchased by the occupiers under the Land Purchase Acts, and the Commissioners have no power to interfere with the present occupier of the hold-ins in question; and, as the application was not lodged within the period prescribed by the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907, it does not therefore come within the provisions of that Act.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a Copy of a resolution passed by the Belfast Trade and Labour Council protesting against the assertion that the recent meeting in Belfast, held in the Ulster Hall, purporting to pledge the workers of the city to oppose Home Rule, was in no sense a labour gathering, and that a number of delegates stated that delegates were not sent from their trade unions; and if he will have inquiries made as to the constitution of the meeting in Ulster Hall?

I have not received a copy of the resolution referred to, and I do not think anything would be now gained by the institution of the inquiries referred to in the last paragraph.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law and the Irish Parliament set up under it, loans from the Board of Works for drainage, the erection of hay-barns, and so forth, will be obtainable as heretofore; and whether he will set out the Clause in the Bill dealing with this matter?

The continuance of a system of public loans for the purposes mentioned will be a matter for the Irish Government and Parliament. I would refer the hon. Member to Clauses 4 and 14 of the Bill.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, with regard to the police proceedings that were instituted against persons who spoke at a meeting organised by the Trades Union Congress and held in Dublin on the 5th April last, he is aware that other meetings, addressed by hon. Members of this House have been held on the same spot without interference, notably in April, 1912, and September, 1913; and why such action was taken in connection with this meeting to protest against the exclusion of Ulster from the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill?

I am aware that public meetings have been held in Sackville Street, Dublin, on at least two occasions without interference, arrangements having been previously made for the holding of such meetings. The proceedings in the present case were taken to obtain a legal decision as to the right of holding meetings on a main thoroughfare and obstructing the traffic to the great inconvenience of the public. There are several open spaces near Sackville Street where a meeting could be held without inconvenience to the public, and the promoters of this meeting were warned beforehand against holding it in Sackville Street.

asked the Chief Secretary how many miles of roads in the county of Waterford have been steam-rolled within the past five years; what has been the average cost per perch; and what is the total expenditure by the county council on steam-rolling up to the date of the last Return made by the Local Government Board?

The Local Government Board have no information which would enable them to answer this question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by the members of the Collooney branch of the United Irish League warning an individual from Killoran, whose cattle are booked to graze on the Doorla ranch, that he would be well advised to seek grazing elsewhere; and whether any steps are being taken to protect the cattle and the individual referred to in this resolution?

I have seen a newspaper report of a meeting at which the resolution is supposed to have been passed. Adequate protection will be given to anyone placing cattle on the farm referred to, but up to the present no person from Killoran has done so.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Mr. James Foy, when last receiving rent from the tenants of his congested little estate in the parish of Turlough, county Mayo, assured them, in the presence of his solicitor and others, that their next payment would be to the Congested Districts Board, to whom he was selling the property; and, as another gale of rent has now become due, will he ask the Congested Districts Board to communicate with Mr. Foy again and request him to sell upon reasonable terms?

The Congested Districts Board have no information regarding the matter referred to in the first part of the question. They have issued an offer for the purchase of the property which has not, so far, been accepetd.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. John Durcan has intimated to the Congested Districts Board that he will not sell his congested estate in Turlough parish, county Mayo; is he aware that before Mr. Durcan acquired this property the Estates Commissioners had agreed to purchase it from the former owner, Mrs. M'Clung, and that, pending completion of the contemplated sale, the tenants paid to the Land Commission a considerably reduced sum as interest on purchase money in lieu of rent; can he state why the Estates Commissioners or the Land Commission refused to complete the purchase; is he aware that Mr. Durcan, on purchasing the property, compelled the tenants to resume payment of the former rents, and to pay him the difference between such rents and the interest which they had paid to the Land Commission in lieu of rent before his purchase; and, in view of the extremely congested condition of the tenants, will the Congested Districts Board again request Mr. Durcan to offer the property for sale under the Land Act of 1909?

The Congested Districts Board have been approached regarding the purchase of the estate referred to, and they communicated with Mr. Durcan from whom they have recently received a letter stating that he is having a map prepared for lodgment. The former owner, Mrs. Elizabeth D. M'Clung, had previously instituted proceedings before the Estates Commissioners for the sale of the estate referred to direct to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and purchase agreements at prices agreed upon were lodged with the Land Commission, but the Commissioners could not see their way to declare the property fit to be regarded as an estate for the purposes of sale, and dismissed the purchase agreements signed by the tenants. Under the terms of their purchase agreements the tenants paid interest on the purchase money set out in such agreements until the agreements were dismissed, whereupon under Section 35 of the Act of 1896 they became liable for rent and arrears, due allowance being given for sums paid as interest under the purchase agreements.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Valley national school, Achill, county Mayo, Roll No. 8547, has for a considerable number of years been reported as unsuitable, insanitary, and dangerous for the pupils and teachers attending it; have large numbers of children been unable to attend the school during the winter months or in inclement weather owing to its very defective condition; and, in view of the consequent injury to education in this school district, are the Board of Works taking any steps to erect a new school there?

The Board of Works-have entered into a contract for the erection of a new school, and they are urging the contractor to proceed with the work.

asked the Chief Secretary why the pension officer appealed against the decision of the Glin pension committee who awarded Mrs. Elizabeth O'Connell, of Clounlehard, Ballyhahill, county Limerick, a pension on the ground that she was depending for support on her husband, who is a small holder with stock on the holding purchased by the earnings of his children to whom they belong; and whether, having regard to these facts, the Local Government Board, before coming to any decision in the case, will fully inquire into the matter?

The pension officer appealed on the ground that claimant's means exceeded the statutory limit. The Local Government Board have already given their decision sustaining the pension officer's appeal, and have accordingly no power to reopen consideration of the case.

asked the Chief Secretary the amounts allowed for clerical assistance in Crown and peace offices and in local Land Registry offices in the following Irish counties, respectively, Tyrone, Down, Kerry, Mayo, Limerick, Galway, and Tipperary?

The amounts allowed for clerical assistance in the counties named are as under:— County. As Clerk of Crown and Peace. As Local Registering Authority. £ £ Tyrone … … 250 100 Down … … 305* 100 Kerry … … 250 100 Mayo … … 315* 100 Limerick … … 250 100 Galway … … 250 100 Tipperary … … 350 100 * Allowance to existing holder appointed before 1893, to be reduced to £250 on a vacancy.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Queen's County Committee of Agriculture requesting the Department to sanction the registration of Clydesdale and shire stallions under the scheme for 1914–15; and can he say whether this request will be acceded to?

The resolution in question has been duly received. The question of accepting stallions of the shire and Clydesdale breeds for registration in districts other than those for which they are now accepted has been considered on many occasions by the Advisory Horse-breeding Committee, the Council of Agriculture and the Agricultural Board, and, having regard to the decisions of these bodies, the Department do not see their way to accede to the request of the Queen's County Committee of Agriculture.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will state the reason why fat cattle intended for slaughter when landed at this side cannot be shipped from Drogheda if they are brought from south of the dual Boards' imaginary line, whereas the same cattle can be shipped from Dublin; and whether he will state if these restrictions serve any purpose except to starve the port of Drogheda and harass the owners of stock with additional unnecessary expense?

The boundary line has been drawn with a view to separating the normal part of the country not affected by disease from that part in which outbreaks have taken place. The Department had either to agree to such an arrangement or to have the live stock of the whole country excluded from British ports.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will represent to the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries that the port of Drogheda is the natural outlet for exported stock from the county of Meath; that the present line Regulations deprive the greater portion of that county from the use of the port and compels them to travel their stock to Dublin for shipment to the same port on this side that they could reach at much less expense from Drogheda; and whether he will redress the grievance?

I hope it will very soon be possible to alter, it not to remove, the line referred to.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if his attention has been directed to the failure of the late fair at Kilcornan, Isle of Arran, Galway; whether the Board can offer any facilities to these islanders to dispose of their stock; and whether, in view of the high class of cattle raised on the islands, and the fact that foot-and-mouth disease was never known to exist there, he will take steps to afford facilities for the transport of the islanders' stock to the markets in England?

The reported failure of the fair in question has been noticed with regret. The matter is not, however, one within the Department's control. The present Regulations allow of Arran Islands' cattle being shipped to Great Britain, but buyers may have been reluctant to attend this remote fair owing to the circumstance that the exclusion of the Irish animals by many of the British local authorities has for the time being very much reduced the demand for store cattle for export.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty why the order issued by the Admiralty in November last, namely, that overtime in the Royal dockyards was to be limited to ten hours per week, while being adhered to in the case of the engine fitters, was broken in the boiler-making department at Sheerness Dockyard in the repairing of His Majesty's Ship "Halcyon," which was just an ordinary job and did not come within the proviso of wreck or collison; and will he see that the overtime regulations are carried out by all grades?

The order referred to by my hon. Friend contains the following instructions: "In future overtime is not to be worked on the building, refitting, repairing, etc., of His Majesty's Ships unless there be exceptional circumstances rendering overtime absolutely necessary, in which case the special authority of the Admiralty is to be obtained on each occasion. In the event of it becoming essential to work overtime on any urgent job or service, such overtime is to be restricted to ten hours a week per man, unless the matter be of such great urgency and importance that it is absolutely impossible to observe this limitation; further, overtime is not to be worked on Saturdays if it can possibly be avoided." In view of the date by which it was considered desirable to complete the "Halcyon" for service, the approval of the Admiralty was given to the working of overtime in excess of ten hours a week. It was subsequently considered unnecessary to adhere to the original date, and the overtime was immediately reduced in the case of the fitters. In the case of the boilermakers the excess overtime does not appear to have been reduced till three days later, and further instructions will be issued in regard to the matter.

asked the Firs. Lord of the Admiralty if he can arrange for mechanicians, chief stokers, and stoker petty officers in the Royal Navy to qualify for instructors and be paid as such?

It is part of the duty of naval ratings to instruct others. It is not contemplated to introduce instructional allowances for these ratings.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the War Office sent to the Stationery Office a copy of the King's Regulations, 1912, with subsequent amendments pasted into correct pages; and how long it will take the Stationery Office to produce a new edition of the King's Regulations?

As the first stage in the preparation of the new edition, the action mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member has been taken, but some revision of the text as well as mere incorporation of already issued amendments is involved. After further inquiry, I now hope that the new edition, which will consist of at least 60,000 copies, and entails in production a great amount of labour, will appear earlier than I stated on Thursday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received the promised Report as to the circumstances of the fatal shooting of Private Allen J. Cole, of the 12th Lancers; and, if so, will he communicate its nature to the House?

I will reply to the specific points asked in the hon. Member's original question. It is, I regret to say, the case that Private Cole was accidentally shot on the 7th instant. The telegram to his father was in these terms: "Your son accidentally shot, come at once." The verdict of the jury was "accidentally shot," and Lance-Corporal Wheeldon was exonerated from all blame. The accident took place about 2 p.m. Three-quarters of an hour previously the rifles both of Private Cole and Lance-Corporal Wheeldon had been inspected by an officer and washed in boiling water. The presence of a live cartridge in the rifle cannot be accounted for, as, although some old live cartridges had on one or two occasions been found on the range, none had been picked up by Lance-Corporal Wheeldon. The inquest was under civilian arrangements, and the case was reported in the papers. I am informed that the suggestion that the Press were requested to keep all reference to the case out of their papers is without any foundation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that for nearly the last six months the Royal Garrison Artillery companies in Malta and Gibraltar have been eight captains and lieutenants short of their establishment, and that this has entailed onerous extra work on the officers of these companies; how long is this state of affairs to continue; and whether, in view of the fact that money is provided in the Army Estimates for complete cadres, he can see his way to grant extra pay to those officers who have had the extra work thrown upon them?

The number of existing vacancies is not eight, as stated, but five, namely, Gibraltar 2 and Malta 3. These vacancies are all for subalterns and not for captains No Grant of extra pay in these circumstances is allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in consequence of the dispute in the London building trade, workmen's pickets have been established at a building job at Messrs. Lyle's works, at Silvertown, and that the pickets have been harassed in the performance of their duty by policemen and detectives stationed on the firm's premises; whether he can state the source of payment for the extra cost of police maintenance; and whether he will take action to prevent policemen from harassing workmen carrying out peaceably the law of the land?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that there has been no interference by police with pickets at Messrs. Lyle's works, and that no police have been stationed on the firm's premises.

asked the President of the Board of Education what was the cost of the national competition in 1909; and what is the estimated cost for this year?

The estimated cost of the national competition for 1914 is, approximately, £3,750. I am unable to give figures for 1909 comparable with those for 1914, but the cost in 1910 was £3,300.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the letter and spirit of the Education Act, 1891, which in establishing freedom from school fees only allowed school pence to be charged, increased, or imposed in return for an educational benefit gained thereby; and whether the Treasury, in examining or accepting the estimates of the Board of Education, has regard to the clear intention of the Act of 1891, that where fees have been imposed since the passing of that Act in elementary schools there should be a reduction by a corresponding amount of the fee Grant?

I have consulted my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education, and I find that he does not agree in the interpretation of the Act suggested by my hon. Friend. The point raised in the later part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Garston, Grassendale, Victoria Higher Grade Church of England 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 that 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 Garston, Sudley Road, Temporary Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition, etc., as in Question No. 1 above; (3) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Toxteth Park, Sefton Park, Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition etc., as in Question No. 1 above; (4) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Toxteth Park, Sefton Park, Church of England School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition, etc., as in Question No. 1 above; (5) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Walton, Longmore Lane, Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition, etc., as in Question No. 1 above; (6) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Waver-tree, Lawrence Road, Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition, etc., as in Question No. 1 above; (7) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Wavertree, Dove-dale Road, Temporary Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition, etc., as in Question No. 1 above; and (8) at what date the Board sanctioned fees being charged at the Wavertree, Morrison, Council School, Liverpool; whether it was made a condition, etc., as in Question No. 1 above?

The dates on which the Education Department or the Board of Education sanctioned the charge of fees in the schools in question were, respectively:— Name of School. Date. 1. Garston, Grassendale, Victoria Higher tirade Church of England School, No. 70. 13th Jan., 1898 2. Garston, Sudley Road, Temporary Council School, No. 72 12th Feb., 1904 3. Toxteth Park, Sefton Park, Council School, No. 108. 14th Aug., 1896 4. Toxteth Park, Sefton Park, Church of England School. No. 109. 15th Jan., 1901 5. Walton, Longmore Lane, Council School, No. 120. 15th Sept., 1896 6. Wavertree, Lawrence Road, Council School, No. 129. 23rd June, 1902 7. Wavertree, Dovedale Road, Temporary Council School, No. 127a. 10th Jan., 1908 8. Wavertree, Morrison Council School, No. 129a. 25th March, 1908

In no case was it made a condition of approval that the amount received should be taken in reduction of fee Grant. In the case of the Garston, Grassendale, Victoria Church of England School, the educational benefit alleged was that the school provided instruction of a higher kind than that ordinarily given in ele- mentary schools for children living in Grassendale, who would otherwise have been obliged to travel daily to Liverpool. In the remaining cases fees were sanctioned owing to a change of population in the district, except in the case of the Toxteth Park, Sefton Park, Church of England School, where fee Grant was not accepted. In the ease of the Garston, Grassendale, Victoria Church of England School, the fees were reduced in 1910, at the instance of the managers. 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 these schools any occasion has arisen for reconsideration. In a number of other schools a charge of fees previously sanctioned has been abandoned by the local education authority, in consequence of a change in the population of the district. Speaking generally, in the fee-charging schools the staff possess exceptionally good qualifications, and the standard of work is noticeably high. In two cases His Majesty's inspector reports the following special features:—

Walton, Longmore Lane, Council School.—Rooms for practical work and a bath are provided, and the curriculum contains special features.

Wavertree, Lawrence Road, Council School.—Rooms for practical instruction, an art room, cookery room, bath, and gymnasium are provided. In addition, special instruction is given in preparation for commercial life.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the amount allotted to the Stirling county committee on secondary education for the year 1912–13 was only £10,959, as compared with £14,281 for 1910–11; and whether he can hold out any hope that this reduction of Grant will soon be remedied?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to in the question. The financial position of the secondary education committees has received my careful and sympathetic consideration. Under the proposals recently laid before the House by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer it will be possible to give substantial assistance to these bodies, and I hope to make a statement on the subject at an early date.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state the number of scholars enrolled in the ordinary classes of primary schools in Scotland, the number enrolled for supplementary courses, the number enrolled in higher grade schools, and the number enrolled in continuation classes, for the year 1902–3, and for the latest year of which figures are available; and whether he will state the Government Grants per scholar now offered in aid of each of the four types of instruction?

The information desired with regard to the number of pupils is given in the following table. Full particulars of the Grants payable are given in the relative Articles, specified below, of the Codes of Regulations for day schools and continuation classes, copies of which I am sending to my hon. Friend:—

— Number of pupils, 1902–3. Number of pupils. 1912–13. Article of Code under which Grant is Paid. Ordinary classes in primary schools. 778,651* 819,445* Article 19 and Chapters VIII and X, Day School Code. Supplementary courses 22,620,† 52,060† Articles 21 and 22 and Chapters VIII. and X., Day School Code. Higher grade schools 5,157* 26,434* Articles 142 and 144 and Chapters VIII. and X., Day School Code. Continuation classes 81,681‡ 143,942‡ Articles 9, 22, 33, 41, 50 and 51, Continuation Class Code. * Average number of scholars on register. † Average, attendance on which Grant was paid. The figures in the first column are for the year, 1904–5, being the first for which statistic are available. See Note below. ‡ Number of students in respect of whom Grant was claimed. NOTE.—Grants for Supplementary Courses were first provided for in the Code for 1903. and for Higher Grade School; in the Code for 1899. The Continuation Class Code was first issued in 1901.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Mr. Morrell, sorting clerk and telegraphist at Batley has been refused a subsistence allowance on two occasions when he has been absent from headquarters; whether he is aware that Mr. Morrell's wages were 14s. and 16s. per week, respectively, during the two periods in question; that he was compelled on the second occasion to obtain fresh lodgings at an increased rent in order to suit the Departmental convenience; whether he has been informed that staff rule 173 authorises the payment of a subsistence allowance in all such cases; that similar payments, at a much higher rate, are always paid to postmasters without question; and whether,

in the circumstances, he will take immediate steps to secure the impartial operation of the rules to all classes of Post Office servants?

Mr. Morrell is employed for the purpose of rendering assistance at Dewsbury or at Batley as circumstances may require. The post offices in the two towns axe but two miles apart. The facts of the case are as stated in the question, except that no change in Mr. Morrell's place of residence has ever been required or suggested officially. The reason for refusing to pay subsistence allowance is that no evidence has been adduced by Mr. Morrell that he has had to incur enhanced expense for subsistence when working at Dewsbury. Unless such expense be incurred no officer of the Post Office, whatever be the rate of subsistence allowance proper to his grade, is entitled to receive such allowance. The rule cited

merely specifies the amount of subsistence allowance proper to certain grades of Post Office servants.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the sum of £115,030 estimated to be the cost of changes in hours of duty for postal servants, the cost of meal reliefs is included; whether this is additional to the amount expended by the Post Office on meal reliefs prior to the 1st. January, 1914; and, if so, will he state precisely what these changes arc?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The effect of the change is that in future a relief from duty of thirty minutes a day will normally be allowed to members of the indoor force employed on split duties. Under the old Regulations a large proportion of such duties carried no relief.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the frequent accidents to children by drowning in the Regent's Park Canal; and whether he is in a position to direct the canal company to take steps to prevent the occurrence of such accidents in future?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to a question on this subject on the 21st April. I have no power to give any directions to the company, but I am in communication with them on the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to state how many accidents to children by drowning in the Regent's Park Canal have occurred during the last five years?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Commissioner of Police informs me that during the five years ended the 31st December, 1913, forty-three children under fourteen have been drowned in the Regent's Canal.

asked whether the Midland Railway Company of Ireland, as owners of the Royal Canal, are obliged to fence such parts of their canal property as are dangerous to life, where public roads pass over the canal; and, if so, whether the company will be compelled to fence the plot at Enfield, county Meath, where there are three labourers' cottages and where life has been lost owing to the unprotected condition of the plot on the roadside?

I cannot undertake to say how far the Midland Great Western Railway Company may be under a legal obligation to fence the Royal Canal. I am advised that the matter is not one in regard to which the Board of Trade have any powers of compulsion, but I will arrange for an officer to visit the place mentioned in the question, and to report to me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what were the exports of cotton piece goods in million yards from the United Kingdom in 1893, 1903, and 1913 to the following regions: Europe, except Turkey; Turkey, Egypt, and Africa; America, except the United States; the United States; British East Indies, China, Java, etc., and other countries, stating the percentage of total exports in each case; and what were the total imports of cotton piece goods in million yards from all sources to the United Kingdom in the same years?

The following statements give the information desired by the hon. Member:—I. Exports of Cotton Piece Goods (United Kingdom Manufacture) in the years specified.

( a ) in 1893. Region to which Exported. Quantity Exported. Proportion to Total Exports. Million Yards. Per Cent. Europe (except Turkey) 370.60 8.0 Turkey, Egypt & Africa 665.9 14.3 America (except United 817.8 17.6 United States 64.3 1.4 British East Indies 1981.4 42.6 China, Java, Japan, etc. 629.6 13.5 Other Countries 122.6 2.6 Total 4652.6 100.0 ( b ) in 1903. Europe (except Turkey) 358.5 7.0 Turkey, Egypt & Africa 851.5 16.5 America (except United 826.5 16.0 United States 72.4 1.4 British East Indies 2127.6 41.3 China, Java, Japan, etc. 736.1 14.3 Other Countries 184.7 3.5 Total 5157.3 100.0

A corresponding statement for 1913 was printed in the Votes on 26th March last in response to a question put by the hon. Member. The total imports of cotton piece goods into the United Kingdom from all sources in the three years were as follows: Million Yards. In 1893 … … … … 38.0 In 1903 … … … … 42.9 In 1913 … … … … 125.7

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he "will state what was the ratio of emigration to births in the United Kingdom for 1900–1; what was the average ratio for the four years 1902–6; and what has been the ratio for each of the subsequent years?

The table below gives the information available:— Years. Number of Births in the United Kingdom. Excess Outward over Inward of Passengers of British Nationality to Non-European Countries. Percentage of column 2 to column 1. (1) (2) (3) 1900 1,159,922 71,188 6.14 1901 1,162,975 72,016 6.19 1902–6 (Average) 1,174,845 141,895 12.08 1907 1,148,624 235,092 20.47 1908 1,173,784 91,156 7.77 1909 1,145,900 139,693 12.19 1910 1,122,984 233,709 20.81 1911 1,104,707 261,809 23.70 1912 1,096,488 268,485 24.49 1913 1,102,261 241,997 21.95

asked the President of the Local Government Board when he will supply the figures regarding the effect of the new Exchequer Grants in respect of Nottingham which were promised to the Member for the Eastern Division of that city?

As I have already intimated to the hon. Member, on 12th May, the approximate additional sum receivable by the County Borough of Nottingham out of the Grants proposed under the Budget (calculated on such data as are at present available) would be equivalent to a reduction of the rates by about 10½d. in the £.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information with regard to the progress of the revolution in the Republic of San Domingo; and whether any steps have been taken to protect British lives and property in the Republic?

General Bordas, the Provisional President, appears so far to have held his ground against the revolutionary forces. A blockade of the ports of Puerto Plata and Monte Christi was proclaimed by Presidential decree on 9th May. The United States ship "Petrel" proceeded from Cuba to Puerto Plata at the end of April with orders from the United States Government to protect British subjects and United States citizens. As far as I know she is still at Puerto Plata. My latest information is that the bombardment of the port has ceased.