asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has official knowledge of a statement made by M. Sazoneff to the effect that order and relative tranquillity have been restored in the Azerbaijan province of Persia; that the new Russian intervention is not military at all, but has now taken the form of a wide-reaching assumption of administrative functions; and, if so, whether he has made already a friendly protest to Russia on the ground that a wide-reaching assumption of administrative functions in Persia by one of the signatories of the Anglo-Persian Convention of 1907 is not in accordance with either the letter or the spirit of that Convention?

The answer to the first part of the question is that M. Sazonow stated in the Duma that order, in the stability of which he had not much faith, had been established in Azenbaijan owing mainly to the presence of Russian troops. With regard to the remainder of the question, as I stated in reply to questions from the hon. Members for Stirling and West Leeds last Tuesday, I have made a communication to the Russian Government, and pending the receipt of their views I cannot make a further statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now lay further Papers on Persia; and whether he can arrange that the Papers will come down to date?

Papers on the affairs of Persia were laid as recently as two months ago, and I cannot promise further Papers at present. With regard to the date of Papers laid, it may be well to point out that the distances to be covered, and the commuications to be made with foreign Governments inevitably cause some delay in publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to recent reports alleging the failure of the Swedish gendarmerie in Persia; whether the information in his possession goes to confirm these reports; and whether the British Government have any intention of offering the services of British officers to the Persian Government for police work?

My attention has been called to an article in the "Times" on this subject, and also to a statement by the hon. Member that that article was inspired by the Foreign Office. The statement made by the hon. Member is absolutely untrue, and until he withdraws the charge that we are inspiring attacks in the "Times" or in the Press at all upon the gendarmerie under Swedish officers, he cannot expect me to make further explanations to him upon the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the administrative powers accorded to the Inspector-General under the new reform scheme for the Armenian vilayets, and whether he will publish the reform scheme itself at an early date?

I am expecting a formal communication from the Turkish Government in regard to the powers of the Inspectors-General. As soon as it is received I shall be in a position to make public the details of the reform scheme.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Commissioner would have control of the gendarmerie?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following his intention to defer the publication of Reports on the civil and religious liberties in the territories lately acquired by Bulgaria, Greece and Servia till further time has been granted for making the assurances of those States effective, His Majesty's Government will defer its recognition of the recent annexations till those assurances have not only been given but have been reported by His Majesty's Consuls to be effective in practice?

I do not think there are sufficient grounds for taking such a course, and I am not sure that it would best secure the object which my hon. Friend has in view.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it would be possible now to publish the Consular Reports regarding those districts?

I gave a full answer, I think, last Thursday on that point.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the policy regarding the Persian Gulf announced by Lord Lansdowne in 1903, and other previous declarations of British policy respecting the special interests of Great Britain in the Gulf, which were reaffirmed in his dispatch of 29th August, 1907, attached to the Russian Convention of that year, are still adhered to by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether, considering that the construction of the Trans-Persian railway on a Russian or any other foreign gauge and largely under foreign control from the North of Persia to any Persian port on the Persian Gulf would be opposed to those declarations, he will give an assurance that the construction of such a railway South of the Russian sphere in Persia will be resisted with all the means at our disposal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second part, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answers given to him on the 25th May and the 11th instant. All that is under consideration at present is an application for an option for a railway across Persia. It is very undesirable on commercial grounds that railways should be made from the North into Persia without railway access also being provided from the South coast into Persia. This can only be done effectively by some through communication from the North of Persia to the coast of Persia. It is undesirable that this should be arranged without our participation; it is also undesirable that we should participate without conditions as to alignment, gauge, control, and other matters.

Is it not of equal importance that goods should run into the South of Persia from India as that they should run into the North of Persia from Russia?

Yes, Sir; but the hon. Member's supplementary question relates to the Trans-Persian railway, which will be linked up with the Indian railways. I have already stated that the question of linking up the Trans-Persian railway with the Indian railways is a separate question and a separate subject upon which statements will have to be made before it is finally decided upon. I have answered this question on the assumption that it refers only to a Trans-Persian railway beginning and ending in Persian territory.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the second alternative in connection with the first alternative? My question was as to a through railway connecting right up with India.

As I have said, the linking up is a separate question which must be dealt with at a separate stage. At present we are considering the question of applying for an option for a line of railways which shall end in Persian territory.

With regard to the second part of the question, it may be too late to raise it after the first has been decided. We want to get right through to India.

That contingency will be borne in mind. It is a very serious matter which requires further consideration before we are actually committed.

Does the scheme provide for going down to the Persian Gulf at or near Bunder Abbas?

The option for the Trans-Persian railway will provide for a line starting in North Persia and laid down to the coast, ending at or near the sea.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India when the dispatch of the Government of India with reference to the representations upon questions of Excise administration submitted by the deputation which waited on the Secretary of State for India on 18th July, 1912, will be presented to Parliament; whether the replies of the local Governments will be included in the Papers; and whether these Papers will be available to Members of the House before the Debate upon the Indian Budget takes place?

The Secretary of State hopes to present the Government of India's dispatch, and to place copies of the local Governments' replies in the Library at an early date, well in advance of the Indian Budget Debate. It is also intended formally to present the replies of the local Governments, but it may not be possible to procure the required number of copies before the time of the Debate.

asked whether the marble from Rajputana required for the Victoria Memorial at Calcutta is being brought free on Government railways; if so, how many transhipments, due to change of gauge or other causes, are necessary during the transit; how many miles is the total distance from the quarries to Calcutta; and whether the total cost of this service up to date can be stated?

I understand that the companies working the railways by which the marble is carried have granted concessions in respect of the charges, but I have not full details. Only one transhipment is necessary. The whole distance from the quarries to Calcutta is about 800 miles. The total cost of carriage up to date cannot be stated.

asked whether Savarkar is kept in chains in the Andamans; and whether a petition for a remission of the remainder of his sentence would now receive consideration?

I have no grounds for thinking that Vinayak Savarkar has committed any of the offences against prison discipline which might lead to the temporary imposition of chains, but I will inquire. Convicts are not kept in chains except for prescribed periods as a special punishment. The Secretary of State sees no reason for the exercise of special clemency towards this man who was convicted by the High Court of abetment of the murder of Mr. Jackson.

Are we to understand from that reply that no petition for the treatment of this man, who is imprisoned for importing arms into India, will receive any consideration from the Government, while those who committed an exactly similar offence in Ireland are absolutely allowed to go scot free?

The hon. Member has been told already that the offence with which Savarkar was charged, and, for which he was convicted, was abetting murder. Under these circumstances I cannot hold out any hopes to the hon. Member.

Is this the only difference, that in India Savarkar's trial did result in the commission of murder, but that in the North of Ireland there has been no such result?

asked whether the Secretary of State is aware that police officers of from twenty to twenty-six years' service are drawing the same pay (Rs. 900 a month) which officers of the Public Works, Forests, and Telegraph Departments draw after only thirteen years' service (under the annual incremental system granted to those Departments), although it is admitted that the work of the police officers is at least equally onerous and responsible; and whether he will take steps to remove this grievance and communicate the result to the House?

The salaries of Indian police officers depend on the vacancies occurring in the higher grades, and therefore are not comparable with the salaries of officers in Departments where a time-scale prevails. There are also other differences of which account has to be taken. The Secretary of State is not prepared to consider the matter until the Royal Commission on Indian Services has reported.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that police officers in all the Provinces have memorialised the Viceroy of India to be put on the same footing as the officers in the Department of Public Works and Forests?

As a Royal Commission is sitting on this matter, which is very suitable for them to consider, I cannot make any further statement.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling on this subject among these officers in India?

I will represent the matter to the Secretary of State.

asked whether, before the Government of India grant any concession for exploring and developing the mineral oil resources of any of the Native States or Protectorates, a Committee, Parliamentary or otherwise, will, in the first instance, be appointed to hear separately and to receive proposals from strictly British firms with wholly British directorates and make recommendations?

It is the policy of the Government of India to confine concessions in respect of oil-fields to companies under the control of British subjects. An inquiry such as that suggested by the hon. Member would therefore appear to be unnecessary.

asked what steps are being taken to compensate those officers of the Indian Army whose prospects have been adversely affected by the rules for command of Indian regiments which were introduced in December last?

The question is still under consideration in communication with the Government of India.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long the matter is likely to be under consideration?

Steps are being taken, but I cannot fix any date.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to allow service with the Tantok column, which successfully carried out operations against some Naga tribes in Assam in February and March, 1913, to count as war service for the forces engaged in it?

asked whether the Government of India has been consulted concerning the possible political, economic, and strategic effect upon India of the proposed purchase of shares in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company; and, if so, what is their official opinion upon those points?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him yesterday by the Prime Minister, and to that given to the hon. Member for East Mayo by the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Have the Government of India willingly accepted responsibility for this extension of its responsibilities right through South Persia and up to the Turkish border?

I think that the ground is covered by the replies to which I have already referred.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Treasury to observe strictly the letter and the spirit of the recommendations of the recent Report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service in connection with the appointment by nomination of persons to positions on the permanent establishment, especially as regards appointments in the Board of Trade and the Board of Agriculture; will he say what steps he proposes to take with a view to giving effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on this point and to securing that the claims of the existing staffs shall be fully considered when new appointments by nomination are being contemplated; and if at the present time any such appointments are before his Department for consideration and determination?

The recommendations of the Royal Commission on this subject are under the consideration of the Government, and I am not at present in a position to make a statement as to the future policy to be adopted. I am informed that the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative so far as the Departments named are concerned.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been directed to alleged victimisation of Mr. Alexander Anderson, M.A., of Stonehouse, by the school board of that place; if he is aware that a public meeting has been held and a petition presented against the action of the board in passing over Mr. Anderson when making a new appointment; if he is aware that allegations have been made that Mr. Anderson has been passed over because of his political opinions; and if he will make inquiry into the matter?

I am in communication with the school board with regard to this matter. I would, however, remind the hon. Member that, in terms of Section 55 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872, the right to appoint teachers of public schools rests with the school boards concerned who, in this matter, are responsible to their constituents and not to the Scottish Education Department.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received this petition yet?

No, Sir, I have not.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what reply he received from the school board?

I have not received any reply yet.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any information to the effect that the Taransay raiders have commenced building operations in the peninsula of Ardvanish; and whether he proposes to interfere with them?

I have not received any information to the effect indicated, and am having inquiries made.

Has my hon. Friend taken into consideration the advisability of lending these men money to enable them to build their houses?

I must know more of the circumstances before I can make any promise, but I will take it into consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the senior or the subordinate officers of the Federated Malay States railways have had their salaries increased since 1900 on account of the general rise in prices; and, if so, on what occasions, and by how much?

My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not possible without excessive labour to supply the detailed information asked for by my hon. Friend. Moreover, even if such a statement were prepared it could not indicate how far the variations in emoluments which have occurred have been determined by the rise in prices, and how far by the substitution of sterling for dollar salaries, the establishment of a fixed value for the dollar, or the increase in the work or responsibility attaching to an office.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say without going into details whether there has been any increase in the salaries since 1900?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that down on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he has yet received the Report of Mr. Chinmaulal on the system of indentured labour in British Crown Colonies from the Indian Government; and, if so, when he proposes to communicate the results to the House?

My right hon. Friend has not yet received the Report to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The second part of the question should be directed to the Under-Secretary of State for India.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the position of the "Komagata Maru," and whether this steamer has started for Japan with her Hindu passengers?

My right hon. Friend understands from the Press that the "Komagata Maru" has not yet started.

Can the hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Secretary of State, give any information regarding the extraordinary and difficult situation which has been created by the present situation?

I am sorry I cannot say more than that the ship has not yet started.

In view of the gravity of this question, and the interest it has excited through the British Empire, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the exact position so as to give an answer to-morrow?

Perhaps the Noble Lord will put that question on the Paper.

That will mean Thursday.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what is the reason for the delay in reopening the Victoria Tower Gardens to the public; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in the exclusion of the children in the neighbourhood who have no other suitable playground, he will arrange for the gardens to be thrown open at least temporarily during the summer months, leaving any further necessary work to be completed in the winter?

The First Commissioner proposes to open the gardens next week.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) if Mr. Flood is an overseer in the employment of the Post Office in Ireland, Dublin district; or, if not, what are his duties and at what salary; and (2) if he is aware that on the morning of Monday, 7th June, a man called Flood, in the employment of the Post Office in Dublin, was detected at Kingstown, on the arrival of the mail boat from Holyhead, as endeavouring to bring into Ireland 3,000 rounds of rifle ammunition then in his possession; if the said Flood gave the Customs authorities a false name and address; if the said Flood is a member of the National Volunteers; and if the postal authorities are going to take any and, if so, what action in the matter?

The officer referred to is an overseer in the Dublin Post Office. He states that the cartridges in question—all of which were pistol or revolver cartridges—had no connection with his membership of the National Volunteers. His action in giving a false name and address to the Customs authorities was highly reprehensible, and I propose to take suitable disciplinary notice of it.

Is the number of 3,000 rounds correctly given in the question?

Yes, I believe so.

Why does the right hon. Gentleman propose to penalise this poor man?

Simply because he gave false information to the Customs officer as to who he was and what he was doing.

Why should he not in the case of Ireland?

asked the Postmaster-General what further steps he proposes to take to meet the complaint of the second-class engineers who were denied admission to the new class of assistant engineers on the Revision in 1911 and were made redundant, and passed over in favour of university men of much shorter service, and whose case was not dealt with in the Holt Report; will he state the results to date of the further consideration promised to their claims in February, 1912; will he say how many of the redundant men have been transferred to the new class in pursuance of his promise of August, 1912; was their seniority restored; what is the number still left redundant; whether any and, if so, how many of them have been performing duties which approximate to those of the assistant engineers; what are the prospects of those whose promotion to the second class has now been blocked for nearly three years through the method of selection adopted by the Department; and, with a view to securing contentment in the staff, can he give any assurance that no more outside appointments will be made until the claims of all competent officers passed over have been dealt with?

The claims of those second-class engineers who are regarded as suitable for promotion are considered as vacancies occur. No other measures are practicable at present. In December, 1912, forty-two second-class engineers were promoted to the class of assistant engineers, and, as the vacancies which these officers filled were created under the Revision, the promoted men retained their seniority. Since December, 1912, ten second-class engineers have been promoted to the class of assistant engineers. They were advanced to vacancies arising subsequent to the Revision, and their seniority wes determined by the date of their promotion in accordance with the ordinary practice. There are seventeen redundant second-class engineers who, it is thought, may be found suitable for advancement when opportunities occur. Some of them are performing duties which approximate to those of assistant-engineers. The exact number could not be ascertained without considerable inquiry. I cannot give the assurance asked for by the hon. Member.

Will the case of these second-class engineers be referred to the new Committee or tribunal that is to be set up?

No, Sir. It does not arise out of the Report of the Holt Committee at all.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in connection with the engineering revision of 1911, long service engineering officers who had been certified by the Civil Service Commissioners for the second class of engineers were informed that they would block places on the class of chief inspectors, who are a lower class while ten young men who had but recently been certified by the Civil Service Commissioners as probationary sub-engineers were informed that they would block places on the new and higher class of assistant engineers; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the treatment and grievances of the redundant second-class engineers?

When the second class of engineers was abolished in 1911, those who could not be promoted to the new class were allowed to retain their title and scale of pay; and their position was not affected by the arrangement under which they stood against vacancies on the class of chief inspectors. The probationary sub-engineers were recruited under a scheme of competitive examination introduced shortly before the revision of 1911, and it was necessary to reserve places on the new class of assistant engineers to which they could be appointed at the end of their probation. The claims of the second-class engineers who are regarded as suitable for promotion are considered as vacancies arise.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, at the present time, a firm of electrical contractors are carrying out a cable-laying contract for the Post Office at Fish Ponds, Bristol; that under a clause of the agrement upon which the tender is accepted this firm are required to accept the Fair-Wages Clause, which binds them to the recognised town rate of labourers' pay; that they are accordingly paying the labourers employed upon the work at the rate of 6½d. an hour; that at Bedminster and in other parts of Bristol labourers employed under the Post Office direct are receiving only 5¼d. and 5½d. an hour for the same class of work; and whether he will explain why the Post Office Department, as public employers of labour, pay their own workmen at least 1d. an hour below the rate which they compel contractors to pay in the same district and for similar kinds of work?

The rates of pay to labourers at Bristol were under consideration some time ago, and the minimum rate was raised to 5½d. an hour. I have received no reply to my request, made a month ago, that one of the associations of postal servants should furnish the details on which they based their statement that 6½d. was the minimum rate paid by public bodies in Bristol to labourers. In any case, I should point out that, whereas in outside employment fixed wages are usually paid and such privileges as annual and sick leave with pay are not granted, employment in the Post Office qualifies for various privileges, and the men are eligible for periodical increases up to 7d. an hour, and for promotion to the class of skilled workmen, with good prospects of established appointments. The whole question, however, of the minimum pay of labourers in particular towns is at present engaging my attention.

Does not the question raise the question of the Fair-Wages Clause, and has it been insisted on; and, in the case of contract work, can the men ever become established men?

I do not think that that arises out of this particular question, which raises issues regarding the general pay of labour. It does not arise out of the Fair-Wages Clause.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) under what circumstances, in respect of station officers, a deviation is made from the eight hours' system generally in force throughout the Metropolitan Police; and (2) how many station officers of the Metropolitan Police force are at present called upon to perform nine and twelve hours' duty on alternate days; and how many men it would be necessary to add to the force to bring all these officers under the eight hours' system?

The arrangement referred to is in force at exterior stations, where, though it is necessary that a responsible officer should be available, the work is light and not continuous. At these stations officers in charge are available for any call that may arise for nine and twelve hours on alternate days, but they are not at work all the time, and the hours mentioned include one hour off for meals. The number of officers so employed is 345. Where at any station the amount and importance of the work is similar to that at the interior stations, the tour of duty is eight hours only. An augmentation of about 200 would be necessary to bring all these men under the eight hours' system.

When these officers have been working twelve hours "spread-overtime," do they get any extra pay?

I am afraid I should have to read my answer again to the hon. Member to make it clear to him that it is not a case of overtime.

I said "spread-overtime."

It is not overtime, spread or otherwise.

If these men are called upon to work for twelve hours with all their short time in between, is it not recognised in terms of labour as "spread-overtime"?

The purport of the answer I have given goes to show that it is not continuous work for twelve hours.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the action of the police in connection with a case tried at the Westminster Police Court on the 17th instant, when a man named Gibbs was charged with obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty, when it was proved that the constable interfered with the man and not the man with the constable; whether he is aware that in certain districts policemen are using threatening and insulting language to men who are doing picket duty, and are practically inciting them to commit breaches of the peace; and whether he will take steps to prevent a repetition of actions of this kind by the police?

My attention has not previously been drawn to the case. I find on inquiry that the facts are not as suggested in the question. The constable was sent for by a responsible person to deal with an alleged case of intimidation, and he would have failed in his duty had he not made inquiries. While he was doing this, William Gibbs interfered, and tried to stop his asking questions of the person who was said to be intimidated. It would appear that Gibbs' interference did not, in the magistrate's opinion, amount to obstruction within the Statute; but this does not justify the suggestion that the officer was guilty of any improper conduct. I am not aware that the police officers in any district are interfering unnecessarily, but I shall be happy to inquire into any specific case which the hon. Member may bring to my notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on some of these jobs the policemen themselves have decided that not more than one picket shall be allowed. [An HON. MEMBER: "Quite right, too!"] It may be quite right from your standpoint.

No, Sir, I am not aware of any case of the kind. If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any case of alleged improper action on the part of the police, I will make inquiries.

I will give you one at Camden Town to start with.

asked the Home Secretary whether the owners of certain public halls have been approached by the Government or police with reference to the meetings therein of the Women's Social and Political Union, and with a view to prevent such meetings being held; and, if so, under what Statute or otherwise such action has been taken?

Crimes and outrages are believed to have followed the incitements to violence which have been made in speeches by members of the Women's Social and Political Union using public halls. It has been deemed advisable by the police to warn the owners or lessors of such halls of the possible consequences to themselves that may result from the facilities thus afforded by them.

Under what Act of Parliament do they render themselves liable for the speeches made?

Under no Act of Parliament, but under the ordinary exercise of common sense.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the circumstances of the collision which took place on the 22nd May last between the White Star liner "Baltic" and the coasting cargo steamer "Clarrie"; what is the dead weight tonnage of the "Clarrie"; whether the "Clarrie" carried a master and one officer only, both uncertificated; whether he can give the wages of these men as figuring on the ship's articles; whether there was only one engineer, and he uncertificated, and one fireman, the total crew of the vessel at the time being four only; whether at the time the only man on the deck of the "Clarrie" was the officer at the wheel; whether the wheel was situated in the after part of the vessel; whether the officer was endeavouring to perform at one and the same time the duties of steering the ship, keeping the look-out, blowing the whistle, and supervising the side lights; and, if so, whether he will consider the necessity for the introduction of the Merchant Shipping (Certificates) Bill for the purpose of enforcing regulations for the proper officering of coasting cargo vessels?

In view of the possibility of litigation in the case referred to in the hon. Member's question, my right hon. Friend prefers to make no statement as to the facts at present. As regards the last part of the question, he hopes to have an opportunity of introducing a Bill on the subject of certificated officers in the course of the present Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to say whether the facts are true or not if I repeat the question on Monday?

Not while it is under litigation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any British naval officers have been lent to Greece or to Turkey, or to both, in order to educate the sailors of these nations in naval warfare; and, if so, will he say whether this is done in the interests of peace in the Near East?

At the request of the Governments concerned, and with the concurrence of the Foreign Office, naval missions have been sent both to Greece and Turkey for the purpose of assisting in the reorganisation of the navies of these Powers. Whether the development of naval efficiency by modern States is a factor for keeping or breaking the peace depends on the circumstances of each case, and no doubt the question would in each case lead to differences of opinion. It is not to be supposed, however, that these countries would have remained without any naval organisation if British assistance had been refused them.

Was it in the interests of peace that the right hon. Gentleman carried out this transaction?

Everything that I have ever done has been in the interests of peace.

Is it the case that Germany has supplied the Army mission?

Yes; I believe so.

Is that also in the interests of peace?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give equally favourable treatment to the Turks and see that they get equally as good officers as the Greeks?

I believe that both countries are entirely satisfied with the officers who have been sent.

asked whether the Admiralty has conducted an investigation as to the coal areas which are likely to be the most promising for distillation purposes; and whether any steps will be taken to secure in the future an adequate supply of coal for distillation from those areas?

The Admiralty has accumulated considerable information on the subject referred to in the first part of the question. As the scientific distillation of coal and the organisation of the industrial use of the various products so obtainable are still in a comparatively early stage, there is much information yet to be acquired; the Admiralty is not losing any opportunity of adding to its knowledge and will do what reasonably can be done in the matter. The Admiralty has made it their practice to inspect processes and plant whenever invited to do so. In reply to the second part of the question, there is no reason to suppose that adequate supplies of the raw material will not be forthcoming. The real problem, apart from any further improvement of distilling processes, is how best to secure the economical industrial use of the various products of coal, particularly of the solid residue or coke. Action by the Admiralty in promoting the supply of oil from coal for naval purposes can at the best be only a partial contribution to the solution of the problem. The serious attention and co-operation of large producers and larger users of coal and other fuels are essential. In time of war the economical disposal of certain products might to some extent be sacrificed to the more urgent consideration of supplementing our reserves by a larger proportion of home-produced oils. The Admiralty have for a long time past had this in view and have already taken some effective steps to that end. In normal circumstances, however, the problem must be approached on all its sides and not only on that of Navy fuel to secure a sound economic solution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already certain French and German syndicates own large areas in the South Wales coal-fields, and if further syndicates set to work to obtain coal on a large scale with a view to supplying oil to Germany, France, and Italy, would the Admiralty in this country raise any objection?

The best coal that is distilled for oil, unfortunately, is not Welsh coal.

Should syndicates take the best areas in the country, would the Admiralty raise any objection?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the total value of Cardiff coal and the total value of oil fuel, respectively, consumed by the Admiralty in each year since 1907–8?

It would be contrary to Admiralty practice to give the figures asked for, but the average demand of the Admiralty upon the best classes of Welsh steam coal does not exceed from a tenth to a twelfth the total output.

asked whether large reserves of oil fuel will be stored somewhere along the Bristol Channel or elsewhere on the Welsh coast?

The Admiralty policy as regards accumulation of oil reserves may in time necessitate provision of stocks on the West coast, but no particulars can be furnished.

asked if the Committee appointed to inquire into the v pay and conditions of service of the accountant branch of the Navy have reported; if any recommendations for improvements in the conditions of service of this class were made by the Committee and, if so, the additional expenditure involved; and if effect has been given to any of such recommendations; and, if so, to what extent?

As I have already stated, the Report of the Committee is at present under consideration, and no decision on its various recommendations has yet been arrived at.

Will the full Report be eventually issued?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty what method is adopted by the commanding officer of the Royal Naval barracks at Chatham when allotting cabins for chief commissioned and warrant officers; whether there are any such officers at present in barracks enjoying the double privilege of having a cabin and also compensation allowance; whether the usual seniority rule is strictly adhered to when the above-named officers are allowed the privilege of getting the compensation allowance; and, if not, will he see that seniority governs in both cases, in allotment of cabins and in being placed on compensation allowance?

As far as possible cabins in the Royal Naval barracks, Chatham, are allotted to commissioned warrant and warrant officers in order of seniority, but as all available cabins are, as a rule, filled, a new officer on joining probably has to be placed in the cabin vacated by his predecessor in order to avoid disturbing officers already in occupation of cabins. This is in accordance with the King's Regulations. There are no warrant officers in the Royal Naval barracks, Chatham, enjoying the double privilege of a cabin and lodging allowance. As regards the allocation of lodging allowance the order of seniority is adhered to, except in the case of two commissioned warrant officers whose duties necessitate their employment outside the barracks.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will stipulate for all British crews under trade union rates and conditions in all the vessels carrying oil for the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?

On referring to paragraph V on Page 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum contained in the Parliamentary Paper circulated, the hon. Member will see that the contract with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company is for oil only, and the Admiralty will make its own arrangements for freight. It is expected that a considerable proportion of the supplies will be carried in vessels owned and manned by the Admiralty with British crews, and the remainder in vessels under transport time charter to the Admiralty. Such vessels are required to be under the British flag, and to be manned by British subjects engaged in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution of the House of Commons (10th March, 1909).

Will the right hon. Gentleman see in the case of transports that there is not an undue proportion of Lascars to British seamen employed?

I do not think I can go beyond the Fair-Wages Resolution of the House of Commons of 10th March, 1909.

Considering the terrible heat of the Persian Gulf in the hot weather, would it be advisable to put any limitation on the employment of Lascars?

They are British subjects.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the working of the Income Tax law?

Yes, Sir. As has already been stated the matter is already receiving consideration.

asked if the Irish Executive will have the control of the Irish Volunteers in that part of Ireland which may ultimately be under the Government of Ireland Bill; and will the Executive have power to apply any part of the £500,000 subvention towards the expenses of such Volunteers?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Clauses 2 (Subsection 3), 4, and 30 of the Government of Ireland Bill. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

In case this money is used by the Irish Executive improperly, is there any power to stop payment of it?

The provisions of the Bill provide ample safeguards in this matter.

What provisions are there in the Bill to prevent improper misapplication of money?

I have referred to them already.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any official or other information which will enable him to state to the House under what flag Irish National Volunteers are being drilled and trained; and, if so, whether he will make a statement accordingly?

My right hon. Friend has made inquiries with regard to this matter, and the information that he has received from the police is that no flags are used except small ones for signalling. On several occasions the Limerick City Volunteers carried a green flag with a gold harp in the centre.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there was any crown on that flag?

If the hon. Member desires any further information, perhaps he will kindly put a question on the Paper?

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Ulster Volunteers are now being trained under the three brass balls?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that on the roof of this Chamber there are a number of shields bearing the Irish harp in gold exactly like those complained of by the hon. Gentleman?

asked whether the Public Trustee now controls £50,000,000 of investments; whether he is solely responsible for the investment of this sum; whether he has indicated that it might be advisable that he should have the assistance of a consultative Committee; and whether it is the intention of the Government to see that there is some authority accountable to Parliament to share the responsibility for the Department of the Public Trustee?

I understand that the answer to the first three branches of the question is in the affirmative. The Government will consider the suggestion, contained in the last branch.

asked when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the Report of the Select Committee on Motor Traffic, which sat last year?

I am afraid that I am unable at the present time to give any promise in this matter.

asked if it is proposed to introduce a Bill to deal with Redistribution during the present Session, or, in any event, in time for it to take effect before the Plural Voting Bill comes into force?

I can add nothing to the very full statements made on the subject by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education on the 15th June.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have any objection to adding a Clause to the Plural Voting Bill that it shall not come into operation until there has been a Redistribution of seats?

The Bill has passed out of the control of this House.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman, by means of the Suggestion stage, add that Clause, if it is agreed, to the Plural Voting Bill?

It has gone to the House of Lords.

When it comes back from the House of Lords?

The House of Lords can make any Suggestion they please.

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept it?

Wait and see.

Is it not a fact that the Minister of Education said with regard to the Plural Voting Bill that a Redistribuion Bill can be brought in at the same time?

It is open to anyone to read it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the speech, and does he agree with the statement?

I agree with every word of my right hon. Friend's speech.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Moneylenders Bill has gone through all its stages in the House of Lords; and whether, in view of the public opinion in favour of such a measure being passed, he is prepared, under the circumstances, to give it facilities during the present Session?

If I could be assured that this Bill would be substantially unopposed I would be glad to consider giving facilities for its passage into law.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if can- didates for commissions in the Army are called upon, after passing the necessary entrance examinations, to undergo a test for eyesight; if he can state how many persons were rejected for defective eyesight in 1913; and what are the reasons for making a test, which is in the nature of a preliminary qualification, after the candidates have incurred all the expense and labour entailed by the theoretical examinations?

The answer to the first branch of the question is in the affirmative. The number rejected for defective eyesight in 1913 was twelve. As regards the third part of the question, the test cannot, in the interests of the service, be dispensed with; but, in order to obviate disappointment, candidates are recommended in the published Regulations to undergo a preliminary medical examination, and, on payment of certain fees, they are allowed to present themselves to a military Medical Board for this purpose.

Do they go through the eye-testing examination before they pass their regular examination?

They are allowed to go through the preliminary medical examination. That does not dispense with the other.

At what period do they have that examination?

That depends on each individual. What I wish the hon. Gentleman to realise is that it does not dispense with the final examination before the man joins the Colours.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the point is whether it is worth their while to prepare for the final examination?

Yes, perfectly; and that is why there is this Regulation that there should be a preliminary examination so that they may see whether it is worth their while going for the other or not.

How long before the regular examination are they allowed to do this preliminary test? Is it one month, six months, or a year?

I do not think there is any particular period.

Are they each re-examined?

Yes, they are.

Might not the preliminary examination be made sufficiently stringent to prevent the trouble and expense of a re-examination afterwards?

Of course the answer to that is that you must have a final examination before you allow an officer to join. His eyes might be completely changed in the interval.

having risen—

Hon. Gentlemen should give notice of any further questions on this matter.

asked how much is being saved each month owing to the shortage of men in the Regular Army compared with the number of men voted; and how the money saved on this head is being dealt with by the Treasury?

As the shortage on the full numbers in Vote A was taken into account in estimating the Money Votes, the saving referred to does not exist.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether notices were recently issued to certain schools threatening them with compulsory closure unless they made extensive additions to their playgrounds; if so, what were such schools; and under what provisions of law such notices were issued?

The Board of Education frequently call the attention of local education authorities and managers of schools to the importance of providing adequate playground space for public elementary schools and to cases in which the playground space is deficient, and where there are no playgrounds at all the Board have, in the interests of the children and their efficient instruction, felt bound to press the local education authority or managers to submit proposals for early improvement of the premises in this respect. In particular, where substantial enlargements or alterations of existing schools are in contemplation with a view to rendering the premises satisfactory for an indefinite period, it is the practice of the Board to point out that the proposals, cannot be regarded as satisfactory for prolonged recognition unless adequate playground space is provided. This action is taken because it is obviously undesirable that considerable sums of money should be spent on a school if it cannot thereby be made satisfactory, and it would be unfair to the managers for the Board to countenance such expenditure. The most recent cases are contained in the lists of schools sent to the Derby County Borough Education Authority and the London County Council. In connection with this matter I may refer the hon. Member to Articles 17 and 18 of the Code of Regulations for Public Elementary Schools.

Does the right hon. Gentleman threaten to close any schools on account of the want of playground accommodation?