asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in the event of Great Britain agreeing to the extension of the proposed Trans-Persian Railway beyond the sphere of Russian interests, the stipulation will be made that all extensions south of the sphere of Russian interests shall be constructed on the Indian gauge and not on the Russian gauge, so that British and Indian goods will have the same facilities for entering Persia in the south, without break of gauge, as Russian goods will have in the

The question of gauge has been considered by His Majesty's Government, who are fully alive to the desiderata of British commerce. I am unable, however, at this juncture to make a definite statement on the point.

May I ask whether, in view of the positive declaration respecting the special interests possessed by Great Britain in the Persian Gulf—in the Russian Convention, 1907—the hon. Gentleman can give an assurance that no railway on a foreign gauge will be permitted to run to the shores of the Persian Gulf?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the name of His Majesty's Consul at Paramaribo; and the amount of salary paid to him by the Foreign Office?

Mr. G. Hewett, who was until recently at Paramaribo as His Majesty's Consul, is now on sick leave, and is unlikely to return to his post. His successor has not yet been appointed. Mr. Hewett's salary was £800, and his successor, who will be a more junior officer, will be on the scale £600-££700.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to give any information with regard to the appointment and meeting of an Anglo-French Commission for the purpose of considering questions arising out of the condominium in the New Hebrides?

As I stated in this House last week, a conference has been agreed to by the French Government, and will be held in London shortly.

Can the lion. Gentleman say anything with regard to British representation at that conference?

I cannot yet. I will, if I may, let the hon. Member know as soon as it is settled.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, if he has any information with regard to the alleged extraction by the Mexican Constitutionalists of a forced loan from British and other foreign residents at Tampico; and if any steps have been taken, directly or through the American Government, to protect British interests in this matter?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Nottingham on the 21st instant.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture how many acres of land have been secured for applicants under the Small Holdings and Parish Councils Acts; for how many persons; and the number of acres and applicants which are in the county of Wiltshire?

Up to the 31st December, 1913, 182,022 acres had been acquired for approximately 13,700 small holdings applicants, and the quantity of land acquired for allotments was 31,271 acres, which was let to 118,240 persons and 49 co-operative associations. In Wiltshire the land acquired for small holdings amounts to 5,671 acres, and for allotments to 1,029 acres. The small holdings are let to 260 persons, and the allotments to 3,439 persons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the greater part of the area of Wilts which the hon. Member is now seeking to represent in this House as its Member is wholly un-suited for small holdings?

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether any persons employed on the public buildings in course of construction in Great George Street, Westminster, are receiving less than the trade union rate of wages; and, if so, will he explain why?

On inquiry five labourers were found to be employed on the New Public Offices Extension at the rate of 7½d. an hour, as they were not considered by the contractors to be capable of commanding the increased rate of 8d. an hour granted since the 4th of April last. The Board have at once given instructions that the full rate must be paid to all labourers under the contract.

asked whether any Borstal youths are or were employed on the public buildings in course of construction in Great George Street, Westminster; how many are so employed; what rate of wages are they receiving; and whether any of these are competing, directly or indirectly, with ordinary labour?

The First Commissioner is unwilling to identify and thus prejudice boys discharged from Borstal. The hon. Member may rest assured, however, that they are not supplied to replace men involved in a dispute, nor save in a few exceptional cases at less than the trade union rates of wages.

asked the hon. Member for St. George' s-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether, in view of the fact that during the past year the necessary expenditure of the majority of Scottish Insurance Committees has exceeded the sum allowed to meet their administration expenses, the Scottish Insurance Commissioners in the meantime guarantee the deficit which insurance committees are daily augmenting in carrying out their duties under the National Insurance Act, or whether the insurance committees should incur no further expenditure until a decisive reply has been given to the Memorandum submitted to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by the Scottish Association of Insurance Committees on 21st April?

Parliament has already provided a special initial Grant which will enable the deficits for the past financial period to be made good. As regards the current and future years, as I have repeatedly stated in reply to similar questions, my right hon. Friend is considering the best means of meeting the requirements of the situation. As only four months of the current financial year have elapsed, I see no reason why Insurance Committees should take the course suggested in the question.

Do I understand the deficits for the past year are to be made good?

Yes, Sir, the sum provided by Parliament is sufficient to meet all the amounts for last year.

Will it be so in the case of all insurance committees?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the attention of the National Health Insurance Commissioners has been called to the Actuarial Report, recently published, with regard to the United Kingdom Postal Telegraph and General Civil Service Benevolent Society; if this is an approved society under the National Insurance Act; if the Commissioners were already aware of the financial position of this society; and what, if any, action has been taken in the matter?

The society referred to by the hon. Member is not an approved society, and has no connection whatever with the National Insurance Acts.

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Department a question, of which I have given him private notice: Whether he is aware that about 1,200 householders in or about Annfield Plain, county Durham, are members of a medical association who have made, with a certain medical man in their neighbourhood, an arrangement satisfactory to themselves and to the said medical man; whether the said medical man is threatened with being struck off the medical register, because he is working for an association which, it is alleged, has canvassed; whether the alleged canvassing is denied by the association in question; whether the case will be heard before the General Medical Council in London on Wednesday this week; whether the charge against this association and their doctor is being supported by certain, other doctors; whether in the event of the view put forward by these other doctors being accepted, the doctor of the association will be struck off the medical list without enjoying any right of appeal; whether, in these circumstances, and in view of the importance of the matter to the working classes, the Home Secretary will take steps to see that the matter is not decided without a full and impartial inquiry into all the facts of the case?

I have received this morning a letter on the subject from a correspondent in Durham, but I have no other information. Assuming the facts to be as stated by my hon. Friend, I do not think, primâ facie, that I have any authority to take action.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether there is any power to get an impartial decision on this matter, or whether the powers of the General Medical Council are absolute in a matter which evidently concerns themselves?

I should think that if the facts are as stated by my hon. Friend the remedy can only be obtained by a fresh Statute.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether men employed at Portland by two coaling firms, contractors to the Admiralty, have been locked out for joining a trade union; whether he will make inquiries into the matter; and, in the event of the two companies concerned persisting in their policy with regard to trade unionists, whether he will break the monopoly enjoyed by them and throw the station open for competition?

The Admiralty do no coaling by contract at Portland.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps are being taken at Rosyth to provide for a dockyard church?

It is not proposed to provide a dockyard church.

Are the Government prepared to give a site?

It is not proposed to grant free sites for places of worship on the land to be used for Admiralty purposes, but it would be open to religious bodies to apply to feu land within the town plan.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the firm of A. G. Mumford, Limited, of Colchester, are at present engaged on any work for the Admiralty; and, if so, can he state what such work comprises and the value of such contract?

The firm has several direct orders for the Admiralty for engineering work, and in addition they have orders for Admiralty work which they are executing as sub-contractors to other firms.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is making inquiries into an alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by Messrs. G. and G. Curtiss, Portsmouth, cartage contractors to the Admiralty; whether he is aware that, although the carters in the employ of this firm have recently received an increase in their wages after some agitation, the rate is still only 21s. a week,. the hours being from 5.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Saturdays when work ceases at 4 p.m., and two hours on Sundays without pay; whether he is aware that the carters directly employed by the Department receive 24s. a week for 48 hours; that the Portsmouth Corporation and the local cooperative society pay their carters 26s. a week; and that contractors to the corporation are obliged to pay their carters 24s. a week; whether he is aware that Messrs. Curtiss have recently discharged over thirty of their carters for attending a trade union demonstration; that the firm do not now employ a single trade unionist; and that the policy of the firm is antitrade union; and whether he will have full inquiry made into the matter without delay?

I have not yet come to a final conclusion regarding the wages question; but I hope to do so shortly. As regards the discharges, I understand that these were made in consequence of the refusal of the men to obey the orders of the firm. The-firm deny that they discriminate between union and non-union labour.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if Admirals Superintendent of Dockyards were recently summoned to the Admiralty on official business; whether, on arrival, they were ordered to report themselves at the House of Commons; and if he will say what was the reason for this order?

The Admirals Superintendent of the Chatham, Devonport, and Portsmouth yards were asked to attend at the Admiralty on Wednesday, the 13th instant, for the purpose of considering whether, by a possible readjustment of work between the yards mentioned, certain contemplated discharges of workmen might be avoided. These officers attended at the Admiralty, and the matter was discussed there. It was necessary that my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary should also see them, and, as he was in attendance upon the House at the time, they were requested to meet him in his room during the course of the afternoon. This they did, together with the Director of Dockyards and Dockyard Work, and in consequence certain readjustments of work were put forward and approved, which my right hon. Friend informs me will, to a great extent, render unnecessary discharges of workmen which would otherwise have had to take place. I do not understand why this procedure should call for notice, nor how the hon. and gallant Member came to be informed of the movements of officials engaged upon Admiralty business.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the House of Commons is the best place in which to carry on departmental business?

Certainly, Sir, it is a perfectly proper place for persons to be received on official business.

Is not the real reason for these officers coining to the House of Commons the fear in which the Government lives of their dwindling majority disappearing?

It is the duty of Ministers as often as possible to be in attendance upon the House. My right hon. Friend has to do a large portion of his work down here, and no one has ever challenged such a course before. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has not told me how it was he knew of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to inform the House of the result of these conversations between the Admiralty and the representatives of the dockyards?

The result will be to greatly reduce the number of these discharges.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he could so arrange as to have personal flights on aeroplanes belonging to the Royal Navy on days of the week other than Sundays, owing to the custom of the service being not to hold unnecessary parades on the Sabbath day and to the fact that such parades give the men engaged extra duty upon a day which is otherwise a holiday?

I have never flown in a naval aeroplane or seaplane on a Sunday.

Have any naval hands been employed in connection with these flights on Sundays?

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever attended a bullfight on a Sunday?

asked the right hon. Gentleman under whose authority he takes hydro-aeroplanes in the Navy out, and who gives the executive orders?

Such orders are given by the Inspecting Captain of Aircraft in the regular manner.

Who pays for any vessels kept in attendance in case the right hon. Gentleman makes a forced landing?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the weekly amount of oil-fuel being consumed by the torpedo-boat destroyer flotilla now engaged in blockading the coast of Ulster; whether this oil is being taken from the war reserve or current supplies; what is the present price of such fuel; and under what Estimates will this expenditure appear?

I am advised that it is not the practice to furnish particulars of the quantities or contract cost of fuel expended by the Fleet, and I see no reason to make an exception in the present case. The expenditure will constitute a normal charge on the current fuel estimate Vote 8/2 K.

Is it not a fact that for some time past oil fuel has been withdrawn from destroyers for ordinary training for the defence of the United Kingdom, and that it is not until the right hon. Gentleman wants to use these destroyers against Ulster that an expenditure of 2,000 tons a week is permitted?

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has now inquired into the case which came recently before the magistrates at the Nottingham Summons Court, in which proceedings were taken against the Farmers and Cleveland Dairy Company, Limited, for selling cream containing formalin as a preservative contrary to the Public Health (Milk and Cream) Regulations, 1912, and in which the magistrates declined to convict the defendants on the technical ground that no penalty had been prescribed by law in the event of the contravention of such regulations, but only for wilful refusal to obey them; and whether he proposes to take any and, if any, what action in the matter to prevent such regulations proving abortive in the future?

I understand that this case is still sub-judice.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether in 1873 the Local Government Board by an Order in Council separated Stoneydelph from the ecclesiastical parish of Amington and joined it to the ecclesiastical parish of Wilnecote, for which a burial board district was formed and a cemetery called into existence; whether he is aware that on 14th March, 1913, an inquiry was held on behalf of the Local Government Board by Major F. H. Tulloch, M.I. C.E., in consequence of the application of the Amington Parish Council for a loan for a burial board; whether he is aware that, in spite of the Order of 1873, the Law Officers of the Crown then advised that Amington and Stoneydelph, which is three miles from Amington cemetery by the main road, must be treated as one parish for the new Amington burial board purposes; and, whether in view of the petition of the inhabitants of Stoneydelph which, with its accompanying ordnance map showing the lie of the ground, has been handed in to the President of the Board of Trade to protest against the injustice meted out to them of having to pay burial rates twice over under the Order of 1913, the Local Government Board will reconsider the decision then arrived at, and allow Stoneydelph to remain in the ecclesiastical parish of Wilnecote as by the Order in Council of 1873?

I am making further inquiry into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the hostility of parents to the enforcement of vaccination, as indicated by the material increase in the number of declarations of conscientious objection under the Act of 1907, he will consider the advisability of introducing a Bill providing that in any district where the number of vaccinations falls below 50 per cent, of the births the board of guardians of such district may have the option of deciding whether the penal Clauses of the Vaccination Acts shall be put into operation against any defaulters?

:I do not contemplate legislation of this character.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to a discussion of the Malton Rural Council on Saturday, 16th May, on the question of issuing demolition orders with respect to certain cottages at Welburn, which are alleged to be so insanitary as to be incapable of repair; whether the demolition orders have now been issued; whether he is aware that the agent of the owner of the cottages, when asked by the clerk of the council if she was prepared to erect new cottages to accommodate the persons displaced, refused to give such an undertaking; and whether, in view of the alleged scarcity of cottages at Welburn, the Government propose to take any steps in the matter?

I am informed by the clerk to the Malton Rural Council that, at the time the council made a closing order in regard to the cottages referred to, the cottages were and had been been for some time unoccupied, being unfit for habitation. No demolition orders were made, as, prior to the consideration on the 16th May of the question of demolition, the owner informed the council that the demolition was being proceeded with, and that it would have cost more to make the cottages habitable than they were worth. I have no information as to whether the owner does or does not intend to build other cottages, but the demolition of the cottages now in question has not involved the displacement of any persons, and at present the council hope that if any insufficiency of accommodation is found to exist it will be remedied by the owner.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to giving the name of the owner?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the fact that the International Automobile Convention of 4th October, 1909, by Article 5, provided that the use of dazzling lights on motor cars is in all instances prohibited in towns; and why no steps have been taken to have this Regulation enforced in England?

The convention referred to dealt with the Regulations to be applied to cars travelling in countries other than that where their owner is domiciled. It does not require any country adhering to the convention to forbid any kind of headlight within its own territory. As my right hon. Friend explained on the 9th March, it has not been found possible up to the present to make compulsory Regulations on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, if, in the public interest, he will consider the desirability of the publication of a standard specification for concrete pipes for strength, porosity, and density, so that local authorities, when asking for tenders may be able to clearly state the quality of pipes they require, and that all manufacturers of concrete pipes may have a fair opportunity of tendering for same?

I do not think it would be advisable for the Local Government Board to issue a standard form of specification, but I will bring the hon. Member's question to the notice of the Engineering Standards Committee, who are a body supported by the leading technical institutions, and are engaged in drawing up standard specifications of all kinds of materials used in the execution of public works.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if in most cases concrete pipes of the manufacture of Messrs. John Ellis and Company are specified in public contracts by most of the borough and municipal engineers and surveyors, whereas no special make of iron, steel, or earthenware pipes is specified when calling for tenders; whether any of the Local Government Board inspectors suggest to borough and council engineers and surveyors to use concrete pipes of the manufacture of John Ellis and Company, of Leicester; and, if so, for what reason?

The terms of the contracts of local authorities scarcely ever come before the Local Government Board, and the Board have no information as to whether the practice referred to in the first part of the question is a common one. With regard to the last sentence, the engineering inspectors not only do not make any such suggestions, but in any cases where it does come to their notice that a special manufacturer is mentioned they object to it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will consider the desirability of placing a direct representative of blind employés on the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the condition of the blind?

I have in-invited the organising secretary of the National League of the Blind to become a member of the Committee, and he has accepted the invitation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many county councils, urban and rural district councils, and town councils, respectively, have been asked by the Road Board to obtain information for them for their classification of roads?

Sixty-one county councils, 246 non-county boroughs. 803 urban district councils, and 652 rural district councils.

Are we to understand that this £6,000 or £7,000 is going to pay the expenses of all these councils?

That is the next question.

asked what amount is allowed for maps and what amount for wages in the estimate of £6,000 to £7,000 for the cost of local authorities of obtaining the information for classification of roads as set out in the circular of 30th April from the Road Board; and what is the average allowance per hour for men taking the census?

In my speech in the House on the 18th instant I distinctly stated that the estimate of £6,000 or £7,000 was in respect of the census of traffic itself, and was exclusive of expenses for maps and other purposes. I also stated that the average cost of 30s. for each census point was estimated on the assumption that the local authorities would usually employ their own roadmen or police. That figure, therefore, is not based on any average allowance of wages per hour.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman wishes to amend his speech the other day when he said £6,000 or £7,000 would cover the whole?

The hon. Gentleman is totally wrong. I did not say so.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state what is the latest date beyond 18th May, as mentioned in the circular of 30th April, "by which local authorities may send in supplementary census points to the Road Board for their classification of roads?

No final date has been fixed, but it is desirable that the summer months, when motor traffic is greatest, should be utilised for the traffic census itself.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that local authorities are informed that the circular of 30th April sent out by the Road Board in which 18th May is given as the date by which census points must be notified, has now been altered and the date extended?

That was fully discussed in the Debate.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has lately called upon local authorities to supply him with detailed information concerning housing in their respective areas; whether he is aware that in many districts medical officers of health, sanitary inspectors, clerks, and other officials are already working at high pres- sure endeavouring to carry out the requirements of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act and other recent enactments; and whether, in the event of local authorities employing additional assistance to obtain this further information without undue delay, he will see that the cost is not placed on the rates?

Under Section 17 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, it is a duty of each local authority to make inspection of their district, and to obtain and record full information as to all houses which are unfit for habitation, and a number of other particulars. That Section contemplated that the necessary expenditure should be borne by the authority. Much of the remaining information now required to be transmitted to the Local Government Board is either readily available or would usually be obtained in ordinary course in the exercise of their duties under the Housing Acts and Public Health Act, if those duties are properly performed. In. the circumstances, as at present advised, I see no reason for asking the Treasury to sanction a special Grant for this purpose.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question in which I ask if it is necessary to employ extra labour, will the Local Government Board see that it does not fall upon the rates?

That is the question I have answered. I see no reason to ask the Treasury to sanction a special Grant.

Are we to take it that the Local Government Board will place a fresh burden on local ratepayers in order to find out information for Government purposes?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the housing and hospital Clause was inserted in the Keighley Waterworks Act; if so, whether he is aware that no housing or hospital accommodation has so far been provided by the promoters for the men employed upon these works; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

By Section 12 of the Keighley Corporation Act, 1912, the corporation are required to provide housing and hospital accommodation for the workmen employed on the construction of a reservoir. I have been in communication with the corporation who informed me that they would at once erect huts for the housing of workmen if it was found that the accommodation available in the immediate neighbourhood proved insufficient. With regard to hospital accommodation the corporation have made arrangements with the Keighley and Bingley Joint Hospital Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Clause placed the onus upon himself to see that proper accommodation is provided, and that there is no such accommodation?

No. The obligation is on the local authority to provide the accommodation. We made inquiries, and we were assured there was ample accommodation. I will at once make further inquiries, and if the accommodation is not adequate I shall press the corporation to fulfil their duties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has made inquiry as to whether the railway companies which carry traffic from the ports to inland towns have raised their rates for foreign traffic as the result of the passing of the Railway Act, 1912, or whether, as when a general rise in rates took place in 1892–3, foreign traffic is being exempted from the burden of the increased charge; and, if so, what is the result of such inquiry?

I have made inquiry of the railway companies, and I am informed that there has been no exemption of foreign traffic, as such, from the recent general increase of rates. The companies also state that it would no doubt be possible to find instances in which individual rates have not been increased, but such instances are exceptional in character.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that in these exceptional instances the home producer does not suffer as a result of foreign competition?

I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the director of the expositions branch of the Board of Trade visited Germany and discussed the question of England and Germany participating in the Panama-Pacific Exposition to be held at San Francisco next year; and if he is aware that several German merchants attribute the abstention of their Government to the visit of the director of the British expositions branch of the Board of Trade?

The director of the exhibition branch of the Board of Trade has made no visit to Germany for the purpose named; but, of course, in the ordinary performance of his duties he frequently has informal conversations with representatives of foreign exhibition authorities on subjects connected with international exhibitions generally. I find it difficult to believe that German merchants hold the opinion ascribed to them in the question; but if any of them do so, it must be entirely without foundation.

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision regarding the participation of the British Government in the Panama-Pacific Exhibition has yet been arrived at?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the anti-British agitation in the United States, occasioned largely by His Majesty's Government refusing the invitation of the President of the United States to participate in the Panama-Pacific Exposition to be held at San Francisco next year, occurred after His Majesty's Government had announced that the British Fleet would be present at the opening of the Panama Canal?

asked whether the Government has changed its mind on the subject of British official participation in the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco?

In view of the representations recently made by a number of Members of the House the Government have carefully reconsidered the matter, and have come to the conclusion that they must adhere to their decision. The Board of Trade, after full inquiry, are satisfied that there is no such widespread desire on the part of British manufacturers and traders to exhibit as would render possible official British participation on an adequate scale, nor at this date would it in any case be practicable to arrange it. The Government do not think that any good purpose would be served by some method of participation that would not be on a scale proportionate to other exhibits. They have accepted the invitation of the United States Government to take part in the ceremony of the opening of the canal, and intend to send a contingent of ships for that purpose to show the importance which they attach to the occasion, and their goodwill. His Majesty's Government feel that this will be more suitably shown as regards the canal by this ceremony than by a formal participation in the exhibition, though they have no desire to discourage British exhibitors who wish, on their own account, to send exhibits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, when the steamship "Turret Hill" left Goole, previous to foundering, on the 13th instant, her coal was under hatches and properly stowed; whether the attention of the surveyor of the Board of Trade had been called to the steamship "Turret Hill" leaking on occasions previous to her last journey; and whether he is prepared to appoint a representative of the seamen to act with the Board of Trade representative on the inquiry into the loss of life arising out of the founding of the steamship "Turret Hill?"

A formal inquiry has been ordered into the loss of the "Turret Hill," and the questions mentioned by the hon. Baronet as to the stowage of the cargo and as to the vessel leaking will be investigated at that inquiry. Meanwhile I should prefer not to say anything which might possibly seem to prejudge the case. The representative of the Board of Trade at those inquiries is the solicitor who conducts the case on behalf of the Board of Trade, and it is not proposed to appoint any person to act with him; but I may point out that all the circumstances connected with the casualty will be fully investigated, and that any person interested may, by leave of the judge, appear at the inquiry, or, if he can give any material evidence, can be called as a witness.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the reason for the closing or replacing by agencies of the Board of Trade Labour Exchanges?

As I informed the Noble Lord on the 7th May, the reason why a few of the smaller Labour Exchanges are being closed is that as the result of experience, there does not appear to be enough work to be performed by the Exchanges in those districts which cannot equally well be performed by local agencies or by neighbouring Labour Exchanges. On the other hand, there are cases where the work is proving greater than was anticipated, and in which it is accordingly contemplated that local agencies should be replaced by Labour Exchanges.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is no occasion for Labour Exchanges in dockyard towns?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards ships' articles of agreement, the usual term of service specified therein is two or three years; whether officers and men signing such articles on the presumption that the voyage will be of the usual character are not informed of the probable duration of the voyage and frequently find, after signing articles, that their ships are put in a trade or trades whereby they are engaged on permanent service in waters abroad for the full period of the articles or more; whether, in view of the hardship upon officers and seamen involved by this, he will consider the desirability of amending the present form of ships' articles and ensuring that in cases such as those described officers and men may be entitled to claim additional emoluments for long service abroad which they had not anticipated on signing articles; or whether he can take any other steps in the matter?

This matter is governed by Section 114 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, which requires the agreement to state either the nature and, as far as practicable, the duration or the maximum period of the intended voyage. The maximum period of service varies; it is frequently two years, and sometimes three years. In accordance with Section 115, the superintendent of a mercantile marine office, in the case of an agreement with the crew of a foreign-going ship, causes the agreement to be read over and explained to each seaman—which term includes officers other than the master—or otherwise ascertains that he understands it; but if the hon. Member can refer me to specific cases in which hardship has been caused by failure of an officer or seaman to understand the conditions under which they are undertaking to serve, I shall be prepared to consider them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the date when he first received news that the third boat of the steamship "Columbian" was missing; and whether he communicated with the Admiralty or by wireless with the masters of ships in the neighbourhood of the accident requesting them to make special search for the missing boat?

No reports were received by the Board of Trade as to the missing boat of the " Columbian," but telegrams published in the shipping Press on the 5th, 6th and 7th of May stated that every steamer within range was being communicated with, and that a special search was being made for the missing boat by vessels on the spot. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman made no personal effort to see that search was made for the missing boat?

The facts were known to the Board of Trade, and it was proved by extracts from the "Shipping Gazette" that vessels on the line of route were doing their best to find the missing boat. Perhaps I may be allowed to pay a special tribute to the chief officer of the last boat for the splendid way in which he handled the whole circumstances connected with the third and the last boat.

The right hon. Gentleman seems to have misunderstood my question. Did he, or did he not, make any personal effort to effect the rescue of this boat?

It was not necessary, because we were informed day by day through the usual channels of the efforts which were being made by all the vessels on that line of route to recover the men.

Then we are to understand that the right hon. Gentleman did nothing?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the advisability of offering in rural districts an alternative tariff to telephone subscribers whereby the minimum rate should be reduced to £3 and no free calls, instead of £5 with 500 free calls?

The present rural party-line tariff, where there are three subscribers per mile of circuit, is practically the same as that suggested by the hon. and Noble Member, except that it includes an unlimited number of calls to subscribers on the same exchange, instead of no free calls as suggested. Former experience showed that for exclusive lines a charge of £3 a year, without any minimum payment for calls, caused considerable loss.

asked whether an agreement has been come to by the majority of the nations to reduce foreign postage to l½d.; and when this change may be expected to take place?

I am not aware of any agreement among the majority of nations entitled to vote at the approaching Congress of the Postal Union for the reduction of international postage to lid. Various proposals for reduction have been made, but I am not in a position to forecast the result of the deliberations of the Congress.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Government has reconsidered the case of the retrenched officials from South Africa now employed in the postal department; and, if so, will he say with what result?

The answer is in the negative. I do not see my way to move further in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received any representations from the sorting clerk and telegraphist class stationed at Carlisle with regard to their title to reciprocal promotion, in consequence of the superintendentship at Carlisle Post Office being filled by an officer from Carn-forth; and whether he is now in a position to give a reply?

Inquiry is being made with the object of securing a reciprocal promotion for the Carlisle staff, and I hope to be able to make an announcement at an early date.

asked the Postmaster-General whether postmen in River, which was incorporated in the borough of Dover ten years ago, are paid wages on a lower scale than other postmen in Dover; whether there are three daily deliveries of letters in River, two of which start from the Dover head office, a large number of letters being delivered in other parts of the borough, while letters delivered by the River postmen have to be taken to the Dover head office; whether there is any reason for such discrimination to the disadvantage of the River postmen; and if he will take steps to remedy the grievance complained of?

The circumstances at River were carefully considered before the settlement of the present classification, under which River sub-office is placed in Class IV for scales of pay of postmen, while Dover head office is in Class III. The whole question of classification for outdoor force is again under review, however, in connection with the two recommendations of the Holt Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postmen at Coulsdon, Surrey, find difficulties in obtaining houses; whether he will take any steps to help them to find accommodation reasonably near their work; and whether an order has been issued saying that in future only unmarried postmen are to be employed at Coulsdon?

I am not aware of the circumstances, but I will have inquiry made and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take any steps to urge the Government to provide housing accommodation for postmen who cannot find houses?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that at the annual meeting of the American Convention of Labour (representing over two and three-quarter millions of organised workers) a resolution was passed approving the proposal of the British Cabinet that the Governments of Great Britain, Germany, and the United States should cease the manufacture of armaments for one year, and that such resolution was forwarded to the President and Cabinet of the United States with a request that approval should be communicated to the Governments of Great Britain and Germany; and if he is also aware that since the convention was held the House of Representatives of the United States has adopted resolutions favouring such a course of action; and if he will state whether any communication upon the subject has been received from the United States Government, and, if so, with what result?

We have received no communication from the United States Government on this matter.

asked what is the amount of money now in the hands of the Development Commissioners which is free for distribution when called for?

I am informed that, after taking into account both advances actually recommended and the estimated amount of advances which the Development Commissioners have provisionally agreed to recommend, a sum of approximately £900,000 is at present unallocated.

asked the Prime Minister whether any and, if any, what terms have been offered to the Nationalist party to induce them to agree to the permanent exclusion of Ulster from the operation of the Government of Ireland Bill?

No terms have been offered.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is going to make any statement as to the amending Bill before the Third Reading of the Home Rule Bill?

made no reply.

May I press for a reply?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Prime Minister if the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster recently regarding the Assent of the Crown to the Government of Ireland Bill under the Parliament Act was made with his knowledge and sanction?

:I do not know what statement the hon. Member has in mind. Perhaps he would kindly send me the reference.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, at a meeting at Ipswich recently, stated that the King would pass the Home Rule Bill irrespective of any—

Certainly!

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it was upon his authority that that statement was made?

I am afraid I have not read all the speeches that were made at Ipswich election.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any precedent exists in the records of the War Office of the Secretary of State corresponding directly with a general officer in command of troops in time of peace otherwise than through the proper official channels before the incidents which led to the resignation of the late Secretary of State for War; whether any such precedent exists for the appointment in time of peace of a military officer with authority to correspond directly with the Secretary of State and with magisterial duties before the appointment of General Macready to Belfast; and whether such appointments have been rigidly confined to officers wielding executive authority in a conquered province or on the lines of communication of an army engaged on active service?

There is nothing irregular in this course, which has been pursued before, though it is not frequently followed. As regards the general position of Sir Nevile Macready, there are no precise precedents, but I explained the reasons for his appointment in answer to a question on the 30th April.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a return in regard to the first part of the question of any cases in which there has been this course pursued?

I should like to consider that.

May I ask whether this appointment is for any specific period?

The terms of the appointment have been laid in the White Paper.

asked when the terms of reference to the Select Committee on the Employment of Troops (Civil Disturbances) will be before the House?

The terms of reference are under consideration. I am unable to say when they will be made public, but, as I have already stated, I am doing what I can to expedite the appointment of the Committee.

Will not the terms of reference have relation to the nature of the arms to be used?

The matter is still under consideration.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman inform me in Debate that the sole question to be decided was the nature of the arms to be used, and did not he himself say that the law was clear and intelligible and needed no change?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will circulate as a Parliamentary Paper the regulation issued from the Government printing office, Dublin, in 1891, entitled General Orders for the Guidance of the Troops in affording Aid to the Civil Power in Ireland?

I am not sure to what document my hon. Friend refers. If he would give me fuller information on the subject, I will certainly consider his request.

asked what is the extent of the further suffragette outrage at the National Gallery; whether there were any police or guards in the room at the time of the outrage; whether the muffs and reticules carried by all women who enter the Gallery are examined; and what further steps the Government proposes to take to protect the irreplaceable art treasures of the nation?

Five pictures have been comparatively slightly damaged, and, I understand, can easily be repaired. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Trustees, in concert with the Treasury and the Office of Works, are considering the question of what further precautionary measures should be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can now state the deficiency below establishment of the Regular Army, Special Reserve, and the Territorials; and how the present numbers c£ the three Services compare with the numbers serving on 1st January last?

The present deficiencies are: — Reserve and Territorial Force by 996 and 12.118, respectively.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to the fact that in 1905–6, the last year in which the Unionist Government were responsible for the military forces, the deficiency of the establishment of the Army was 17,000, the Reserve about 10,000, the Militia 32,000, and the Volunteers and Yeomanry 90,000?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility of combining a building at Redford Barracks for the use of the varous religious denominations and for the purposes of social recreation commensurate with the needs of the number of troops to be kept there?

The provision necessary for social recreation has already been made. The provision of a separate building for the use of the various religious denominations has been the subject of a conference between representatives from Scotland and the War Office, and they are still in correspondence on the subject.

asked why the Army Council cannot provide the capital cost of a church in connection with Redford Barracks?

In view of other more pressing military necessities, the Army Council regrets that it is unable to increase the funds already devoted to the provision and maintenance of buildings for Divine Service.

Will my hon. Friend tell us what more pressing necessities there are than the providing of buildings for religious services for soldiers?

I said "more pressing military necessities."

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can issue a statement showing the location of Anglican churches in connection with English barracks, etc.; how the money for their erection was obtained; and the annual Grants to each?

The following buildings in England are used only by the Anglican Church: St. George's, Aldershot; All Saints', Aldershot; Portsmouth; Dover Castle; St. George's, Woolwich; Plymouth Citadel. The money for their erection was mostly provided in Votes of Parliament, as far as is known; some at a very distant date, and none during the last twenty years. There are no annual Grants to these, but the fabrics are maintained out of Army Vote 10.

In view of the fact that the Government have provided money for building religious buildings at these other barracks, why cannot they give money for building a church at the new barracks at Bedford as well?

We are hoping to build, but we have not been able to do so up till now.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the firm of A. G. Mumford, Limited, of Colchester, are at present engaged on any work for the Army; and, if so, what such work comprises and the value of such contract?

No,Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to light and protect in a proper manner the wharf at the Elphin-stone barracks, Plymouth, where, on the 5th instant, the late Sapper Fullwood lost his life while on sentry duty; and whether he will consider the desirability of prompt action being taken in the matter, having regard to the fact that the jury at their inquest added to their verdict of found drowned a rider that the attention of the military authorities should be called to the need of more effectively lighting and protecting the wharf?

The circumstances in connection with this very regrettable accident are under investigation and I cannot at present say what steps will be taken, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the matter will receive prompt attention.

asked whether the hon. Member for Ilkes-ton recently took charge of an Army aeroplane, on which he was a passenger, when in the air, and for which he claimed auto- matic stability, or whether the pilot still exercised foot control?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and the second in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether these Army aeroplanes are allowed to be controlled by uncertificated pilots, and if there had been an accident can he say who would have been responsible?

There is no control other than steering.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the recent remarks by the late Secretary of State for War on the question of securing automatic stability in aeroplanes; if this question has been considered or dealt with, except in France and Germany; if the Dunne biplane, which has been tested in this country, has, in a large measure, solved the problem of stability in flight; and if the War Office is in possession of the results obtained from this and other experiments?

The question of inherent and automatic stability has also, I am informed, been considered in Austria, the United States, and Great Britain. The Dunne biplane is believed to have a considerable degree of inherent stability. The War Office has information regarding most of the experiments in this direction.

asked the Attorney-General when the Draft Rules of the Supreme Court for amending the procedure by or against poor persons (Order XVI., Rules 22–31) are to come into operation; whether any such fund as that referred to in Rule 28 has been created; if so, what is its nature and amount and, if not, how it is proposed the money shall be raised; will the new Rules be available to litigants in the High Court where the sum in dispute is between £20 and £100, and in other actions which are within the County Court jurisdiction; is the existing procedure in forma pauperis in fact available to litigants in the County Courts, and do the County Court judges in practice ever permit litigants to sue in forma pauperis in County Courts; and will the new Rules increase the facilities for poor persons to sue in the County Courts?

As the answer to the Noble Lord's question is necessarily technical and somewhat lengthy, I propose, with his permission, to circulate it with the Votes.

asked the Attorney-General whether he can state what has occasioned the further delay in the issue of a new list of justices of the peace for Glamorgan; and whether, in view of the complaints of delay in securing the attendance of magistrates in some divisions of that county, steps will be taken to expedite the formalities incidental to the new appointments?