asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the positive declaration contained in the correspondence in connection with the Russian Convention of 1907 respecting the special interests possessed by Great Britain in the Persian Gulf and the Russian acknowledgment of the same, he will give an assurance that in the negotiations regarding the Trans-Persian Railway there will be a stipulation that no line on a foreign gauge shall run to the shores of the Persian Gulf, and that the line to the south of the Russian sphere shall be constructed on an Indian and not on a 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 North?

The question is still under discussion, and I cannot therefore usefully add anything to the answer returned to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member on the 25th ultimo. I hope, however, to be able to make a statement in due course when the discussion is further advanced.

Will this question of the gauge of railways down to the Persian Gulf be carefully considered?

It has been very carefully considered in consultation with the Indian Government, and it will be very carefully considered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that a foreign gauge will not be permitted?

I cannot say more at the present moment.

May I ask if it is not the fact that the sea is the only proper way for Indian and British goods to enter South Persia?

Of course, the question of railway communication from the South to the North is very important, precisely because it is in the South that we are mainly interested.

asked whether any naval agreement has been recently entered into between Russia and Great Britain; and whether any negotiations, with a view to a naval agreement, have recently taken place or are now pending between Russia and Great Britain?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to an alleged new naval agreement between Great Britain and Russia; how far such agreement would affect our relations with Germany; and will he lay Papers?

The hon. Member for North Somerset asked a similar question last year with regard to military forces, and the hon. Member for North Salford asked a similar question also on the same day, as he has again done to-day. The Prime Minister then replied that, if war arose between European Powers, there were no unpublished agreements which would restrict or hamper the freedom of the Government or of Parliament to decide whether or not Great Britain should participate in a war. That answer covers both the questions on the Paper. It remains as true to-day as it was a year ago. No negotiations have since been concluded with any Power that would make the statement less true. No such negotiations are in progress, and none are likely to he entered upon so far as I can judge. But if any agreement were to be concluded that made it necessary to withdraw or modify the Prime Minister's statement of last year, which I have quoted, it ought, in my opinion, to be, and I suppose that it would be, laid before Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any communication has been addressed to the United States Government as to the action which Great Britain would take in reference to the murder of Mr. Benton by General Villa's agents, in the event of the Constitutionalist party, with which General Villa is identified, being successful; and, if so, if he will state what were the terms of such communication?

The subject has been mentioned amongst others in the various conversations that have taken place with the Government of the United States at Washington and the Ambassador in London from time to time on Mexican affairs. All that I have said has been in accord with the answer given to the hon. Member's question on 22nd April, and I cannot make a more definite statement about contingent events.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received any, and, if so, what resolutions in favour of the abolition of the restriction on the entry of rifles and ammunition into Ireland; and, if so, will he relax these restrictions so that Home Rulers in the North can arm and defend themselves in case of danger?

Certain resolutions of the nature referred to by the hon. Member have been received. The validity of the Proclamation prohibiting the importation of military arms and ammunition into Ireland has been recently called into question in the Courts, and the matter is still sub judice.

Meanwhile will no distinction be made between those people who import arms for the Nationalist Volunteers and those who import arms for the Ulster Volunteers?

If the Proclamation remains valid, it will be applied against all parties.

May I ask if no people will be put in prison for importing arms into the South of Ireland?

Wait and see.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he has any information as to the numbers of the Nationalist Volunteer force; whether any of the volunteers are armed with rifles; if so, to what extent; what is the object for which the force has been brought into existence; and whether, in view of the statement by the Lord Chancellor that both this force and that of the Ulster Volunteers are illegalities and unconstitutional, he will say what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

It is almost impossible to give at any particular moment an accurate estimate of the numbers of the force, as it alters from day to day. The last figures supplied to me show a force of about 80,000. As regards the number of rifles at present in their possession I can give no precise figures. The coming into existence of this force and its object appear to me to be sufficiently explained by the existence of the Ulster Volunteer force. The action of both these forces is engaging the attention of the Government.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government are in agreement with the Lord Chancellor that both these forces are illegal and unconstitutional, and if so, do they propose to take any steps with regard to either of them?

I should like to confer with my Noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor, in regard to this matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman doubt that the Lord Chancellor is right on the point of law?

No, Sir.

If the Lord Chancellor is right, can the right hon. Gentleman say why action is not being taken?

That question is not on the Paper.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are going to take action to prevent the explosion of civil war between these two volunteer forces?

That does not arise out of the answer.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will answer the last part of the question, "whether, in view of the statement by the Lord Chancellor that both this force and that of the Ulster Volunteers are illegalities and unconstitutional, he will say what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?"

I did answer that. I said, "The action of both these forces is engaging the attention of the Government."

:I will repeat the question on Monday.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when the Bill to amend the Government of Ireland Bill will be introduced?

If the Opposition in another place so desire, my Noble Friend will be prepared to introduce this Bill before the Second Reading of the main Bill is taken. I believe that no arrangements as to date have yet been made.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has considered the advisability of introducing this important Bill into the people's House?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his answer means that the Bill will be introduced in another place as soon as it is desired by the Leaders of the Opposition, or what exactly does he mean?

I mean what I said:—

"If the Opposition in another place so desire, my Noble Friend will be prepared to introduce this Bill before the Second Reading of the main Bill is taken."

Will the right hon. Gentleman let us know how the House of Lords can introduce an amending Bill to a Bill which they have not yet read a second time?

That is quite another question, and it ought to be put on the Paper.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the restrictions on the movement of cattle from county Kerry will now be removed, in view of the fact that no disease has broken out there and that the county has been completely free from disease; and whether steps will be taken so that all cattle sold at the fair in Kenmare on 16th June may be moved without restriction to any county in Ireland?

It is regretted that, though disease has not extended to Kerry, the geographical situation of the county renders it subject to restrictions temporarily applying to the South-West Ireland area, and that it is not possible, at present, to withdraw these restrictions. In the circumstances it will be possible to move cattle from Kenmare Fair on 16th instant only to non-scheduled districts within the area above-mentioned. Movements to parts of Ireland outside such area will not be practicable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely that these restrictions will be withdrawn?

Well, of course, the restrictions are due to what is called the boundary line separating the northern from the southern part of the country. I wish it to be thoroughly understood that there has been no disease in Ireland, save in a remote district, in county Cork, for the last two months. I am anxiously considering how far and how soon it will be possible to take such steps as will completely isolate this part of county Cork and leave the rest of Ireland free.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the last outbreak in county Cork took place?

I think that took place about ten days or a fortnight ago. I am happy to say that yesterday the magistrate fined the two Quinlan brothers £70 for selling calves which gave rise to the outbreak.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has power to withhold compensation for animals slaughtered belonging to people who concealed the existence of disease on this farm?

Yes, Sir, the magistrate, has absolute power to deal with the payment of compensation.

What was the amount of the fines inflicted upon these men?

There were separate convictions. I cannot carry the figures accurately in my mind, but I understand that the penalties inflicted on both brothers amount to something like £70.

These questions do not arise out of the question on the Paper. I think that further questions ought to be put down on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Report of the Indian Inquiry Commissioners in South Africa has been issued; and what action is being taken upon the recommendations contained therein?

The Report was laid before Parliament in April. A Bill based on the recommendations of the Report passed its Second Reading in the Union House of Assembly on 8th June.

asked if any arrangements have yet been made with regard to the disposition of the Hindu immigrants who have been refused permission to land in Canada from the "Komagata Maru"; if any representations have been made to the Dominion Government on the subject; if the steps taken in the matter by that Government have throughout been in accord with the immigration laws of the Dominion; and if arrangements can be made to prevent immigrants being allowed to leave India in future for British Colonies where they will be refused permission to land?

The "Komagata Maru" lies in a Canadian port, and the arrangements in regard to her and the persons on board are in the hands of the Canadian authorities, who are, I have no doubt, acting in accordance with the law of the Dominion. I have been in communication with the Governor-General, but am not prepared at present to make any statement on the subject. The last part of the question should be addressed to the Undersecretary for India.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

No. It belongs to the Government of India.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether a Mr. Handcock, who was previously the London salesman for Davidson's, ventilating fan manufacturers, has been appointed by the Office of Works as consulting engineer with the object of advising the Department in reference to the ventilation of this House, now under the consideration of a Select Committee?

No, Sir. No such appointment has been made.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether, in view of the fact, as stated by him, that potato-pickers and potato- gatherers are in precisely the same position, and of the fact that, by an Order of the Joint Committee, dated the 13th July,. 1912, potato-pickers are exempted from compulsory insurance when such persons are not already insured persons, the Joint Committee will issue an Order exempting potato-gatherers from compulsory insurance where such persons are not already insured persons?

It has been held that the potato-gatherer is excepted under the provisions of the special Order to which the hon. and learned Member refers. The question of making a further Order does not, therefore, arise.

Was not there a decision recently?

I am not aware that, the Commissioners have given any decision other than that referred to in my answer. Perhaps the hon. Member will give me-notice.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me when?

I do not think that the hon. and learned Member has been following the procedure. The procedure has been for someone to complain, and no complaint has been made.

asked what local authorities or insurance committees in England and Wales have applied through the Insurance Commissioners for funds, under Section 17 (2) of the National Insurance Act, for the purpose of extending sanatorium benefit to dependants?

No application for funds for the purpose referred to has been received in Wales. As regards the position in England, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on the 21st May.

Can the hon. Gentleman: give me the names of the authorities or the insurance committees that have made the applications?

I should be very pleased if the hon. Member would put down a question?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to statements made at a recent meeting of the Carmarthenshire Insurance Committee to the effect that of the thirty-eight persons recommended for sanatorium treatment three months previously only two had been admitted to a sanatorium, and to the reported admission by the clerk to that committee that there was a delay of quite two months in many cases, three months in some, and even four months in others; and whether he can do anything to secure for these consumptive persons the treatment for which they have been recommended and for which they have paid?

I am making inquiry into the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers, and will communicate further with him.

asked the Postmaster-General if steps have yet been taken by those responsible to give effect to the actuary's recommendations in reference to the Northampton Benevolent Society; and, if not, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I understand that it was decided at the annual general meeting of the Northampton Benevolent Society on the 9th inst. to adopt the measures which the actuary regards as essential to the financial soundness of the society.

asked the Prime Minister, whether, in view of the continued absence of the Chancellor of the Duchy from the House, any steps will be taken to see that a Minister of Cabinet rank should be responsible to the House for all questions relating to national health insurance?

As the hon. and learned Member is aware, the post of chairman of the National Health Insurance Joint Committee is held by a Minister of Cabinet rank. During his absence from the House I think that my hon. Friend the Member for St. George's in the East has ably represented him.

Can the right hon. Gentleman modify the opinion expressed by him on the 13th February that the Minister responsible in this House for Insurance questions should be a Minister of Cabinet rank?

He is. He is not at present in this House, but he is a Minister of Cabinet rank.

asked whether any and, if so, what powers have been assigned to the district insurance committees in the Metropolitan boroughs, which are specially required to be set up by Section 59 of the National Insurance Act, 1911?

The powers which may be delegated and assigned to district committees are specified in the schemes framed by the insurance committees for the constitution of the district committees. The London scheme, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, sets out the conditions for the delegation of certain powers in connection with medical and sanatorium benefit to district committees.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that no powers at all have been delegated to these committees, and that, the committees feel themselves very much, aggrieved at having been created and given nothing whatever to do?

If the hon. Gentleman examines the scheme he will see that certain powers are delegated.

Is the hon. Gentleman, aware that no powers are, in fact, delegated?

No; I think that that is, not so.

Has any money been, placed at the disposal of the committees?

I must ask for that to* be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that Alexander M'Phee, an insurance contributor residing at Townhead, Kirkintilloch, has been treated in a sanatorium by the Dumbartonshire insurance committee; that he has been discharged by the Insurance Commissioners as a serious case; and that the Insurance Commissioners refuse to supply him with further treatment, and have declared that responsibility now rests, with the town council of Kirkintilloch; and, seeing that the Insurance Commissioners get the insurance contributions while the town council is asked to do the work without them, what warrant there is for such procedure on the part of the Dumbartonshire insurance authorities?

I am making inquiry into this case, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he intends to issue an Order, under the Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act, 1902, regulating the sale of machine-skimmed condensed milk, or whether he will take any other action to give effect to the recommendations contained in Dr. Coutts' Report to the Local Government Board on the use of condensed milks as infants' foods in August, 1911?

I hope to be in a position shortly to make a statement on this subject, but I regret I cannot do so at present.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has any statistics as to the percentage of tuberculous cattle in herds that have been tested?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The answer is in the negative.

Would it not be only fair that we should get some information before the Milk Bill goes into Committee?

It is impossible to draw any general conclusion from the herds that have been tested. Unless all the herds in the country were tested we could obtain no statistics of any real value.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in connection with the Provisional Order relating to Worcester, he has received a memorial from residents in that city with reference to the provision in the Order retaining the same number of wards for municipal representation purposes; whether, in view of the present unequal division of the city, which will be accen- tuated by the areas to be added, he will consider the advisability of increasing the number of wards to eight; and whether his Department has satisfied itself that there is an adequate supply of pure water?

I have received a letter from the Worcester Trades Council on the subject of the inequality of the number of electors in the wards into which the city of Worcester is divided. I agree that these inequalities exist, but, having regard to the terms of the statutory provisions under which the Order is made, I did not feel justified in inserting in it Clauses for a general redistribution of the city wards. As regards the question of water supply, the Board have expressed the opinion that the town council would be well advised to provide for storage of the water prior to filtration, and to make more complete arrangements for bacteriological examination.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that in some mines the horses and ponies employed there are supplied with water from the boiler pond; whether such water is totally unfit for consumption by animals; and whether he will give directions that the inspectors shall inquire into the matter, and insist that these animals shall in future be provided with a proper supply of pure water in accordance with the Regulations?

No cases have been brought to my notice in which the horses and ponies are supplied with water from the same source as the boiler, but I am advised that water from this source is not by any means necessarily unfit to drink, and is sometimes used for human consumption. If the hon. and learned Member is aware of any cases where the ponies are supplied with impure water and will communicate particulars to me I will have inquiry made. Meanwhile I have no evidence in my possession to indicate the need of issuing any special instructions to the inspectors who are fully aware of the Regulations on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the year 1912, according to the inspectors' reports, 2,852 horses and ponies employed in mines were killed by or destroyed in consequence of accidents, and about 2,300 died from or had to be destroyed in consequence of disease; whether he will state whether any of these 2,852 deaths from accident might have been prevented by using proper care; whether steps will be taken to ensure that proper care will be observed in future; what were the specific forms of disease causing such 2,300 deaths from disease; and what were the causes of such disease?

It would be impossible to say without holding an inquiry into the circumstances in each case how far the deaths from accidents might have been prevented by using greater care. But the inspectors are instructed to enforce to the fullest extent the regulations contained in the Act for the protection of the horses and other animals employed, and I am glad to learn that the reports for last year, which are now in the hands of the chief inspector, show that these regulations are being generally well observed throughout the country. Particulars are not available, in the cases of the deaths from disease, as to the specific forms of disease or the causes.

Is it not desirable that there should be some return showing the diseases from which the animals died?

I will consider that point.

When will the inspectors' reports be in the hands of Members?

I hope very shortly. They are now actually going to press.

asked the Home Secretary if women prisoners, commonly called suffragettes, convicted of arson and other forms of destruction of property, or of brawling, rioting, and other similar offences, are provided in Holloway and other prisons with spring mattresses and special bedding, a special diet of food, and general relaxation of prison regulations applicable to convictions for such offences; and if he will state in what particulars or upon what principle the crimes and offences of suffragettes differ from crimes and offences of similar character committed by other women?

No general relaxation of prison rules has been made in favour of these prisoners. Certain privileges have been allowed under Rule 243a to those not guilty of serious offences, but in most cases these privileges have been forfeited by misconduct. Special diet has sometimes been given for medical reasons, and particularly in cases where they have rendered themselves unfit for ordinary diet by starvation. So far as prison treatment is concerned, I am not aware of any distinction that can properly be drawn between serious crimes and offences committed by suffragettes and those of similar character committed by other women.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state, respectively, the number of churches, chapels, or places of worship, and the number of dwelling houses which have been burned down or been damaged by fire, or which have been the scenes of attempted arson by militant suffragettes or their supporters during the last five years?

I have no complete statistics on this subject. Crimes of this kind are not specially reported to the Home Office.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to get a complete list?

I will inquire into the point. I very much doubt whether I have power to take any such steps.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House any information on the subject, even if it is not complete?

Of course the information in the daily Press is open to the Noble Lord. I have no such information here. I suppose it could be gathered, but I doubt whether it would be altogether accurate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that daily reports of fires are made to all the county councils, and that it would be quite easy to secure the information?

As far as my knowledge goes, the facts of the case are directly opposite to what the hon. Gentleman states. In the City of London there is an annual report of fires, but I have been unable to obtain information with regard to fires in other parts of the country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the City and County of London there are daily reports of each particular fire?

I should have said the City of London and County of London.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a paper called "The Suffragette," which gives a list every week of the buildings that have been burnt down?

asked the Prime Minister, if, in view of the danger to life and damage to property occasioned by the continued acts of the militant supporters of Women Suffrage, he will consider as to the adoption of more strenuous measures for the suppression of the condition of terrorism that exists; and if, in particular, such steps will be taken for the punishment of those committing these crimes as will provide a more effectual deterrent to others?

I understand this subject will be dealt with in the course of the Debate to-day.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain local authorities at holiday resorts have issued Orders allowing shops of a certain class of trade to remain open for business every afternoon in the week during four months of the year; whether there is any authority for giving this privilege to certain trades in holiday resorts; and whether he is taking action to ensure that local authorities will carry out the provisions of the Shops Act, 1912, in a uniform manner?

The Act gives power to local authorities in places frequented as holiday resorts to make Orders suspending for not more than four months in the year the obligation to close for a weekly half-holiday, but the Home Office is advised that such Orders must be general, apply- ing to all classes of shops in the place, and has so informed the local authorities. The Orders in question are not required to be submitted to me for approval, and I have no information that such Orders have been made for particular trades only, but if my hon. Friend will give me details of any case which has come to his notice I will make inquiry.

asked how many persons were killed during the month of May in the Metropolitan Police area and the City of London by motor omnibuses, taxi-cabs, tram cars, and other motor vehicles, respectively; and what was the total number of persons killed by horse-drawn vehicles?

There is no record in, the City of London of any person having been killed during the month by any vehicle. In the Metropolitan Police area nine persons were killed by motor omnibuses, three by taxi-cabs, twenty-one by other motor vehicles, and eight by horse-drawn vehicles. No fatality was caused by a tram, car.

Having regard to the fact that there are no fatal accidents in the streets of the City of London owing to the effective arrangements made by the City Police, will the right hon. Gentleman see that similar arrangements are extended to the Metropolitan Police area?

The hon. Gentleman bases his question upon the experience of one month. I regret to say that I could point to other months in which there have-been fatalities.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman already made a statement: with regard to the City of London and its immunity from fatal accidents of the kind to which I have already alluded?

No, on the contrary,, speaking from recollection only, owing to-the state of congestion in the City of London, accidents in streets are quite as common there as in any other part of London.

What action has been taken as a result of the Motor Traffic-Committee that met last year?

All the recommendations of the Committee that could be carried out usefully have been carried out.

asked the Home Secretary whether a workman was killed while working as a pumpsman at the North Celynen New Sinkings Collieries, Monmouthshire, on the 9th May; that the cause of death, as stated at the inquest, was owing to the bursting of a steam joint in the lodgeroom; that the lodgeroom is an inset in the pit, seventy-five yards below the surface, and is about eleven feet square; and that the workman had no way of escape, as there was no signalling apparatus as provided for by the Coal Mines Act, nor ingress and egress roads; and is it his intention to proceed against the company and management for a violation of rules and regulations?

I have received reports on this case by the divisional inspector, which appear to show that there was a breach of Section 59 of the Act, and I have directed proceedings to be taken against She persons responsible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to institute an inquiry into the alleged shortcomings of the present administration of the law in London Police Courts?

I have seen the interesting article which appeared in the "Times" newspaper a few days ago, to which my hon. Friend no doubt alludes, and I will certainly consider the suggestions it contains and consult the chief magistrate, whose wise and sympathetic administration of justice is acknowledged by all. I think the House will agree that, speaking generally, the magistrates discharge duties of an onerous and difficult kind in a very satisfactory manner. I hope that the passing of the Bill now before the House may lead to further improvement in the administration of criminal justice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is intended to take the discussion upon the proposed investment on behalf of the Admiralty in shares of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?

No, Sir; but the question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, on the night of 25th May, a fleet of eleven battleships and eight or nine torpedo craft were carrying out practices without lights, the "Empress of India" buoy bearing N.N.E. about five miles distant; that no warning had been given to the fishermen; and that most of the fishing craft cleared off the ground and lost their night's fishing rather than face the risk of being run down; and will he take steps to ensure that due notice is given to the fishing fleet before any such exercises or practices are to be carried out?

His Majesty's ships at Portland necessarily make constant use of West Bay for their practices. Care is taken so far as is practicable to avoid damage to fishing interests, but it is not possible to undertake that notice shall be given of all exercises without lights.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have considered the effect on the strategic value of battleships of the employment of aeroplanes and submarines; and whether any modification of the current programme of naval construction is contemplated in consequence of such consideration?

All these matters are the subject of continual study by the Admiralty, but I have no statement to make upon them at the present time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is intended to make any alteration in the use of Milford Haven as a naval base; if so, in what respect; whether any reduction is to be made in the number of ships stationed there; if so, to what extent; and, if such changes are intended or contemplated, what are the reasons for them?

It is not intended to alter the use of Milford Haven as a naval base. The distribution of ships of the Third Fleet may be altered from time to time by the Admiralty, according to circumstances.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the Royal Commission on Engines and Fuel will make its Report; and if any interim Reports have been made other than that referred to in Command Paper 7419?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given on this subject to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the 20th of last month.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Report is referred to in the Blue Book recently issued, and will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether a Report has just been made?

A Report has been made. I have repeatedly given to the House on the subject all the information that I can give, explaining why it is not possible to publish the Report.

Will it be impossible to publish parts of the Report?

I have published a statement which throws a good deal of light on the subject, and which carries with it the authority of the Royal Commission; but I am not prepared to publish the Report, nor am I prepared to take any steps which might conceivably make it necessary for me to publish it in consequence of partial statements.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to establish a reserve for chief and engine-room artificers, such service to commence after these ratings have completed eighteen years' active service; and, if so, would these ratings be employed at their respective trades during the time served in such reserve in the Royal dockyards?

It is not intended to establish a reserve for chief engine-room artificers and engine-room artificers.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware of the discontent amongst the chief engine-room artificers in consequence of the short spells which they now get at Home after having served a considerable period on foreign stations; whether this is due to a shortage of chief engine-room artificers or to an increase in the number of stoker mechanicians; and whether the Admiralty will consider the possibility of arranging the drafting regulations so as to ensure a reasonable time for these men in Home ports before sending them for further sea service?

Chief engine-room artificers generally are receiving their normal period of Home service. In certain cases, owing to drafting requirements, the period has been shorter than the normal, but it is expected it will be lengthened shortly.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that there are over 600 labourers in Gibraltar dockyard whose wages are less than 20s. per week, and nearly half of whom are paid less than 15s. per week; is he aware that local mechanics, i.e., fitters and shipwrights, are paid at rates below 30s. weekly, and that increased pay has been refused these lower grades of labour while increased allowance has been made to those on the higher ratings in consequence of higher rents and prices of food; is he aware that a rent of 4s. per week per room is charged in many cases, and that the labourers are living in a condition of semi-starvation; have representations been made through the usual channels; and, if not, will he have inquiry made and wages raised?

According to the figures of the last annual return, dated 1st September, 1913, the rates and numbers stated by my hon. Friend appear to be generally accurate, except as regards the proportion of locally-entered labourers receiving less than 15s. a week. It is also correct to say that some applications from the classes concerned have been refused, but no increases in the allowances to higher ratings have been made in consequence of higher rents and prices of food since 1907. I have no definite information regarding the actual rents charged per room, but have no reason to doubt my hon. Friend's statement. I cannot, however, assent to> the statement that the labourers are living-in a condition of semi-starvation. My hon. Friend is aware that our policy is to secure that conditions of service are at least as favourable generally as those of the locality. On two occasions I have personally surveyed the matter on the spot from this point of view, and have not been able to find that the dockyard rates compare unfavourably with those of the locality. As, however, my last visit was early in 1911, I will have a full Report from the yard on the matters raised in my hon. Friend's question.

Is the hon. Gentleman of opinion that 15s. a week is sufficient for a labourer?

We have got to see that our conditions do not compare unfavourably with local conditions.

asked the Postmaster-General, in his recent trip in H.M.T.S. "Monarch," when accompanied by friends, whether, in order to accommodate those friends, the officers of the "Monarch" were turned out of their mess-room and smoking-room and the petty officers turned out of their berths; and whether, owing to the "Monarch" being thus occupied, the "Teleconia," a ship belonging to a private company, was chartered in order to carry out the work for which the "Monarch" was employed while she was conveying him and friends?

I believe the facts stated in the first part of the question, which were only brought to my notice when I had actually started on my voyage, are accurate, and they have occurred, I am told, whenever the Postmaster-General has used the ship as I have done and intend to do for purposes of inspection. To such extent as is in my power I have attempted to recompense the persons who may have been inconvenienced. The "Teleconia" (as well as another ship) has been under charter to the Post Office since February last, when the "Monarch" was disabled, and she had separate work to perform from that done by the " Monarch," which repaired one cable disabled for nearly four months, and laid a new one.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the repeal of the Statute which gave free education in 1891 by the Finance Bill of this year is an indication that the Government policy includes a reimposition of fees in elemen- tary schools or a permission being given to local authorities to charge fees for elementary school children?

The repeal of the Elementary Education Act, 1891, is consequential on the abolition of Fee Grant and the establishment of a Block Grant for Elementary Education in. place of the existing Statutory Grants. Fees in public elementary schools will continue to require the sanction of the Board, and the duty of each local education authority to provide a sufficient amount of free public elementary school accommodation will remain. The repeal of the Statute does not indicate any change in the Government policy with regard to-fees in public elementary schools.

If the Budget and Finance-Bill pass, will it not be possible afterwards, for any Board of Education to allow fees to be charged anywhere and to any extent throughout the country?

I do not think so under the: powers at present possessed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the local loan-charges for school buildings form in many cases a very large part of; the education rate, especially in certain, small parishes and in places where adequate school provision has been liberally made by the locality, and whether he will accept amendments to Clauses 13 and 14 of the Finance Bill which will effect a more generous reduction of the education rate in such places and so bring about a nearer equalisation of rates?

I am aware that the incidence of loan-charges is unequal between different areas and sometimes between different parts of the same area. I may point out, however, that the expenditure of each area, including expenditure on loan-charges, will be a factor in the calculation of the Block Grant, which endeavours to do justice as between one-area and another. Further, in so far as the loan-charges on any particular parish are disproportionately heavy, owing to the operation of Section 18 (1) ( c ) and ( d ) of the Education Act, 1902, it will be noticed that, the second Schedule, Part III., paragraph 8 of the Finance Bill provides for relief in such cases.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the resignation of the teachers in the evening continuation schools in the borough of Berwick, as a protest against the appointment of a superintendent without teaching qualification; and whether he will consider the question of securing that all directors and superintendents of education should be required to possess proper qualifications for these posts?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, the appointment of directors and superintendents of education is in the "hands of the local education authorities. It is obviously desirable that directors and superintendents of education should possess suitable qualifications, but I do not think it is desirable that I should attempt to prescribe qualifications for such posts.

asked why, in the case of the loss of the "County of Devon," which was tried before the Cardiff stipendiary in the course of last month, the Board of Trade neglected to make the managing owner of the vessel a party to the inquiry; and whether, owing to such an oversight on the part of his Department, the costs of the said inquiry will be paid not by the managing owner, who was censured by the Court, but by the public?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state why the Board of Trade did not proceed against the managing owner of the steamship "County of Devon," which was lost in mid-Atlantic in February last; whether he is aware that the cost of the inquiry, amounting to £500, was defrayed out of public money; and whether, in view of the remarks made by the stipendiary of Cardiff, he can say whether the managing owner can now be proceeded against under Section 457 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894?

With all deference to the learned stipendiary, I am unable to admit the suggestion that there was any neglect in this case. At the time when the arrangements for holding the inquiry were made the facts in the possession of the Board of Trade would not, in the opinion of my legal advisers, have justified them in making the managing owner of the "County of Devon" a party to the proceedings, and in suggesting that he might be found to blame. Information which subsequently came to light, and which put a new complexion on the question of the managing owner's possible responsibility, was fully brought before the Court by the Board of Trade. I am now taking advice whether there is any reasonable prospect of proceedings being successfully instituted against the managing owner under Section 457 of the Merchant Shipping Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the managing owner had been previously warned by the former captain that precisely similar deck loads made the ship unseaworthy?

That is one of the allegations which are under review.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that many of the bodies of persons drowned by the sinking of the ill-fated "Empress of Ireland" were subsequently found floating with the head beneath the water due to the nature and construction of the lifebelts carried by the vessel; and whether, with a view to preventing loss of life in future, he will see that the lifebelts carried on all British ships are of such a design and manufacture that they will keep persons who wear them afloat and with their heads above water?

The whole of the circumstances of the terrible disaster to the "Empress of Ireland" will be investigated by an exceptionally strong Court of Inquiry in Canada, and I would therefore prefer to say nothing with regard to this particular case. As regards the last part of the question I may say that the present instructions of the Board of Trade, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, require that all types of life-jackets now submitted for approval shall, when properly fitted, keep the wearer's head well out of the water.

Is it not very difficult to fit the existing jackets properly?

Of course it is very very difficult indeed to get any type of lifebelt or life-jacket or life-buoy that would suit every age and every size and every type of passenger, but the greatest trouble is taken to see that ships are fitted out both with adult lifebelts and life-buoys and children's life-jackets, 30 that in the event of emergency arising there would be at the command of the passengers every available means of life saving.

May I ask whether the report of the inquiry that is to be held in Canada will be available to Members of this House?

Certainly.

May I ask if these particular lifebelts were not passed and inspected by the Board of Trade on the "Empress of Ireland" herself?

That does not altogether arise out of this question, but the "Empress of Ireland" had her annual survey on 20th February, and on 15th May she had her annual inspection, and on that inspection lifebelts, life-jackets, and lifebuoys were a thousand in excess of the number of passengers that she had when this unfortunate catastrophe occurred.

Is it not a fact that the lifebelts served out on the "Empress of Ireland" could be more easily fitted upside down than the right way up, especially in the case of hysterical women; and whether it would not be perfectly possible to have a lifebelt which could not be fitted the wrong way up?

I think this is neither the time nor the occasion to discuss the rival claims and advantages of the various forms of lifebelts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a circular has been issued to Labour Exchange officials notifying them that they are not to join any outside organisation or trade union, and not to approach any Member of Parliament with regard to their conditions of service; and, if so, whether it is intended to deny to these officials the rights enjoyed by the vast body of Civil servants?

No circular or other instruction has been issued to Labour Exchange officials notifying them that they are not to join any outside organisation or trade union, but a circular has been recently issued calling their attention to the general rule in the Civil Service that it is improper to attempt to procure the intervention on their behalf of Members of Parliament in the matter of promotion, or otherwise, with reference to their position in the service

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a speech made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Criccieth, on 2nd June, in the course of which he said that the British aristocracy and their friends were crowing jubilantly over mutinies in the Army; and whether he will say if any mutinies in the British Army have been brought to his notice, and, if so, when they took place?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the speech of the Chancellor of the Exchequer at Criccieth, on 2nd June, in which he referred to mutinies in the Army; whether any mutiny had in fact broken out; what were the acts of mutiny referred to; what were the regiments involved; and what steps to punish the mutineers have been taken?

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the recent acts of mutiny in the British Army to which the Chancellor of the Exchequer referred in his recent speech at Criccieth; whether Courts of Inquiry were held into the circumstances; whether courts-martial or other disciplinary measure followed; and, if not, will he explain why this course was not adopted?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask whether it is not the fact that on two separate occasions" General Sir John French advised that certain officers should be brought before a court-martial?

I do not understand my right hon. Friend to have intended to suggest that mutinies had in fact taken place. As I have stated before, there has been no mutiny in the British Army.

In view of the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer's words can only be interpreted to mean that there had been mutinies, will he take steps to get the Chancellor of the Exchequer to publicly withdraw a statement that casts a slur on the Army?

I see that there is a question on the subject addressed to my right hon. Friend.

Will not the Prime Minister, as the head of the Government and War Secretary, take steps to see that one of his most important colleagues does not make an untrue statement, without withdrawing it, which casts a slur on a branch of the Forces which the right hon. Gentleman himself controls?

I have said before, and I repeat, there has been no mutiny, none whatever; and if my right hon. Friend said there had been, I should have been obliged to differ from him. The interpretation of his words must be left to him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Gentleman himself has threatened disloyalty?

May I ask how anyone could "crow jubilantly" over mutinies which had not taken place?

That question ought to be addressed to my right hon. Friend.

May I be allowed to say, in reply to the imputation of the hon. Member opposite who said I had been guilty of mutiny or something of that kind—[HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman had listened he would have heard that my words were perfectly accurate, namely, that he had threatened disloyal action.

May I say in reply, if I had I should have been amenable to the proper authority. So far from that being the case my command has been extended in the last few months by the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister.

Then if we were not in the House of Commons, but in Criccieth, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if I would be inaccurate in describing the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a "downright lie?"

"An officer and a gentleman."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what mutinies in the British Army he referred in his recent speech at Criccieth?

I referred to the direct incitements to mutiny by certain leaders and journals of the party opposite.

Am I not correct in stating that no mutiny-has taken place?