asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the alleged boycotting of Albanian traders, both Catholic and Moslem, in Podgoritza, and to the emigration of Moslems from the territory recently annexed to Montenegro; and whether he will publish as a Blue Book any reports he has received from His Majesty's Consuls at Uskub and Monastir, and from the British Minister at Cettinje, relating to the present or recent condition of the districts now being administered by Servia and Montenegro?

I have no information as to the alleged boycotting. There has been extensive emigration of Moslems from all the territories recently annexed from Turkey. As regards the publication of official reports, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for North Norfolk on the 18th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government is satisfied that there was any sufficient reason for the arrest of the Rev. J. S. Bowskill by the Portuguese authorities; and, if not, can he say what action His Majesty's Government have taken in the matter?

His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon has on different occasions requested the Portuguese Government to inform him of the specific charges preferred against Mr. Bowskill. On 7th June Lieutenant Crato, Chef du Cabinet of the Portuguese Minister for the Colonies, left for Angola to investigate into the whole affair, and the Portuguese Government have not so far formulated any charges against Mr. Bowskill.

Is it not a very serious thing that a British subject should be imprisoned for so long a time without any definite charge being brought against him; and ought not the Portuguese Government to telegraph for information?

I do not think that he is in prison at all, because he is now released. The question of whether or not he is to be tried at all is still in doubt, as no charges have been formulated against him. The question I shall have to consider, when we know the full circumstances, is, of course, whether we shall make any claim for compensation for the treatment he has received.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state what is the recorded number of British subjects in Mexico at the present time; how many of these are in Mexico City; what measures are being taken to protect them or to assist them to leave should they desire to do so; is communication by railway still maintained between Mexico City and the coast; and is there any British steamer at the coast available for the reception of refugees?

In reply to the hon. Member's first two questions, I have no other information than published statistics, according to which there were 5,198 British subjects in the Republic of Mexico in 1910, the date of the last Census. His Majesty's Minister in Mexico City has arranged, as far as possible, for the defence of British residents at His Majesty's Legation and neighbouring houses in an emergency. Some 350 refugees of various nationalities were successfully conducted by the Secretary of His Majesty's Legation from Mexico City to Vera Cruz at the end of April, and I have no doubt that at present a similar exodus could be carried out, if necessary. As regards communication by railway with the coast, it appears that the line to Vera Cruz was broken for some two kilometres at the time of the above-mentioned expedition, but I have no later information as to its condition. I have not heard that the railway between Mexico City and Puerto Mexico is interrupted. The Admiral in command of the Fourth Cruiser Squadron in Mexican waters has authority to charter steamers for the conveyance of refugees as and when necessary, and arrangements in this respect are being left to him to carry out.

Are not our Consuls in Mexico giving British subjects certificates which they can show to the contending parties, and have the Foreign Office no record of those certificates?

I have not heard of it, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question, I will make inquiries upon the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to decreasing the present tension, he will suggest to the Governments of Greece and Turkey the appointment of an International Commission to inquire into the claims of refugees from racial animosity in Greek and Turkish territory, respectively, to resettle refugees under their national flags, to cancel one set of claims against the other, and to recover the balance of cost from that Government against which the heavier claims may be found to lie?

A Turco-Greek Commission for the purpose indicated was appointed not long since by the two Governments concerned. If these two Governments desire the assistance of the Powers to help the working of the Commission I have no doubt the Powers would endeavour to give it.

In view of the atmosphere of procrastination and mutual distrust which now exists between these two countries, will not the right hon. Gentleman make direct suggestions to them to allow international mediation?

It is no good, as a rule, in these cases making proposals to two Powers who are at variance with each other, unless it can be done at the desire of both of them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the acting British Minister at Rio de Janeiro is assisting to obtain a settlement by the Brazilian Government of the claims made by British subjects; whether claims by German and French subjects are to be settled out of the proceeds of a new loan to Brazil, and as the result of representations by the German and French Governments that no further Brazilian loan would be authorised for issue and subscription in Germany or France until the German and French creditors had been provided for; and whether any guarantees have been given by the Brazilian Government of the settlement of the claims of British subjects out of the funds of the new loan to which the British public is to be asked to subscribe?

On the 23rd instant His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Rio de Janeiro was instructed by telegraph to take such action as he could with a view to the settlement of all outstanding British claims. I regret to say that no progress has been made. I have no knowledge of the action of the French and German Governments alluded to in the second part of the question. I will make inquiry on this point. As regards the third part of the question, no such guarantees have been given by the Brazilian Government to His Majesty's Government, who have no part in any loan to Brazil.

Looking at the very superior position the French and German Governments are in to protect their citizens, will not the right hon. Gentleman take active steps to protect British creditors?

I am going to inquire as to that. I said in my answer that I did not know whether the French and German Governments have been successful in securing better terms than we have. That is a point into which I will inquire, and, if so, in what way they have secured them. But I must point out with regard to the issue of a loan in this country, that, of course, some foreign countries on the Continent have much more control than we have. We have no real control over British financiers as to whether they will subscribe or not. We cannot control what they will do.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the central and provincial Governments of China, so far from suppressing the production and consumption, of opium, are obstructing the sale of Indian opium, in contravention of their agreement with the British-Indian Government, in order that, or with the result that, a market is afforded for the Chinese product; and whether, in view of this fact, His Majesty's Government will now give the British-Indian a free hand that they may do justice to British-Indian growers and traders in opium?

The statement made by the hon. Member in the first part of his question is not borne out by the information at my disposal, and I see no reason for interfering with the operation of the agreement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can inform the House, in view of Great Britain's partial responsibility for the integrity of Albania, through what channel the soldiers in the employ of the provisional Government of Epirus are armed with machine guns and modern rifles; and whether this is against the wishes of the Hellenic Government?

I have no information as to the exact nature or source of the arms in the possession of the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus. The Greek Government have disclaimed all responsibility in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the responsibility of Great Britain together with other great Powers for the creation of Albania, he will confer with the Ministers of the Powers with a view to putting an end to the massacres and ill-treatment of the population of Southern Albania?

The establishment of good government in Albania is already a matter of concern to the Powers, and the subject of constant communications between them. I cannot, however, under- take on behalf, of His Majesty's Government to send British troops into Albania.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if, in view of the repudiation by the Hellenic Government of responsibility for outrages committed in Southern Albania, he can say by whose orders certain Cretan criminals were released and are now perpetrating crimes in Northern Epirus; and whether he will make representations to the Hellenic Government to order that these persons should be withdrawn from Southern Albania?

I have no information as to the first part of the question, and therefore cannot make representations to the Greek Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the repudiation by the Greek Government of the responsibility for the recent outrages in Southern Albania, he will say upon whom the responsibility rests?

I am not in a position to fix the responsibility for occurrences upon which I am imperfectly informed. The responsibility for outrages where such have occurred rests primarily with those who commit them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the advisability of publishing the telegram which he has received on the 12th instant from his informant in Southern Albania, an United States citizen; and whether he has yet been able to verify its contents?

I have received no confirmation of the statements contained in the telegram in question, and I think no useful purpose would be served by its publication by me, particularly as I understand that the gentleman referred to is in the company of the United States Minister to the Greek Government, as the hon. Member was informed on Monday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that Great Britain is partly responsible for the creation of Albania, and in view of the fact that Albanians are being massacred and ill-treated in the South of Albania, he will consider the advisability of sending Consuls or other qualified persons to the areas in question for the purpose of gaining accurate information?

Though His Majesty's Government are responsible with the Governments of other Great Powers for the creation of an autonomous Albania, I cannot admit responsibility for maintaining order there, and I do not wish to assume such responsibility by taking the measure which the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now state whether His Majesty's Government has yet signified its consent to the Treaty of Bucharest, and upon what conditions?

His Majesty's Government have not yet signified their assent. I propose very shortly to address the States concerned as indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on the 10th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that order is now restored in Northern Persia, he can say when the Russian Government is going to withdraw its troops and agents from that district?

I have quite recently answered more than one question on this point, and I can really only repeat what I said as lately as last Tuesday, to the effect that though the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs spoke of there being order in Northern Persia he attributed it to the presence of Russian troops, but that some progress in the withdrawal of Russian troops had been made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when will the Canadian ports be opened to British stock?

A notice allowing the resumption of importation under permit was signed by the Deputy-Minister of Agriculture at Ottawa, on 20th June.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that, owing to the Regulations imposed on the landing of cattle in Great Britain during the first out- break of foot-and-mouth disease, through bookings of live stock from stations west of the port of Drogheda were stopped; and whether he will communicate with the Great Northern Railway Company and Lancashire and Yorkshire Steamship Company to have them restored?

Consequent of the Regulations made in connection with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 1912 through booking arrangements for cattle from stations west of Drogheda ceased. The bookings have been resumed in the case of fat cattle for slaughter at Birkenhead. Owing to a question which seems to have arisen between certain English railway companies and the port authorities at Birkenhead, the Department understand that some difficulty also exists as regards through booking for live stock via the port of Drogheda to interior stations in Great Britain. The matter is receiving the careful attention of the Department.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what changes are about to be made in reference to the shipment of cattle from the port of Belfast, consigned there via the Great Northern Railway; and when he expects these new conditions will be in operation?

The Great Northern Railway have under construction at Mays-fields, Belfast, a new yard, proposed, when completed, to be used instead of the yards at Grosvenor Street and Lagan Bank Road, Belfast, for the inspection of animals brought for shipment. It was anticipated that this new yard might be ready by the end of August next, but it is possible it may not be completed by then.

Does that mean that cattle coming by the Great Northern Railway will go direct for inspection and then to the boats?

Yes.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) (1) whether in the county of Kerry there has been a single case of foot-and-mouth disease during the past thirty years; and, if not, will he reconsider his decision imposing restrictions on the moving of cattle from that county by allowing them to be entrained via Limerick to the Midland Counties; and (2) whether, seeing that there has not been a single case of foot-and-mouth disease in the county of Kerry during the past thirty years, and in view of the trade in store cattle done in the county, which is being very seriously injured by the present restrictions, he will take steps to give Kerry store cattle a permit for export to England and Scotland?

County Kerry has been free from foot-and-mouth disease for over thirty years. It is regretted that the appearance of the disease in Cork and Tipperary this year unavoidably brought the county of Kerry within the scope of restriction imposed in the general interest on movement out of the South West Ireland area. The Department recognise the hardship thus arising, and they are endeavouring, in conjunction with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, to find some suitable means of overcoming the difficulties of the case, so as to allow of cattle from Kerry having outlet to the Midland Counties of Ireland and also to Great Britain.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has now come to do away with the line that he drew some time ago East and West, and allow the free movement of cattle North and South?

That matter is now being considered.

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman expect he will be able to change the line?

I am in actual consultation with my right hon. Friend now with a view to relieving the situation all round. Hon. Members will understand that with regard to that part of Cork which is still under restrictions, it will be impossible, but I think a good deal can be done to relieve the situation elsewhere.

asked when the line drawn across the country from Mornington, outside Drogheda, to the West of Ireland will be wiped out and the port of Drogheda opened for stock from the south of the existing line?

This question is at present under consideration by the Department and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has accepted all the recommendations of Mr. Talbot Baines's Report upon the roof of Westminster Hall, and is carrying them out; and whether suitable oak has been obtained, fulfilling all the conditions as to quality and dimensions laid down by Mr. Baines as necessary for the replacing of decayed timber?

The First Commissioner has accepted all the recommendations of Mr. Frank Baines' report. The question of the oak to be used has not yet been decided.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether his attention has been called to the delay in the transference of domestic employés from one panel doctor to another, in cases where the residence of the employer is changed from one district to another; and whether he has any remedy for this defect in administration under consideration?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 13th May to a similar question by the hon. Member for Devonport.

asked whether an order has now been made to exempt share fishermen at Aldeburgh from liability to compulsory insurance under the National Insurance Act?

The answer is in the negative. As the result of inquiries the Commissioners have, however, expressed the opinion that the conditions under which fishermen work in the lugsail boats sailing from Aldeburgh do not constitute a contract of service. Aldeburgh fishermen while engaged in share fishing under these conditions are, therefore, not liable to be insured.

Can my hon. Friend say whether fishermen who have been entitled to enter into compulsory assurance will be entitled to a refund of their contributions should they so desire, seeing it is now held that they were not liable to enter into compulsory assurance?

I am not aware that the share fishermen at Aldeburgh have been compulsorily insured; but, if so, they will be entitled to repayment in accordance with the rules laid down by the Insurance Commissioners.

asked whether auxiliary postmen employed from two to three hours daily, a total of about seventeen hours a week, are compulsorily insurable under the provisions of the Act; and, if so, whether steps can be taken by the Insurance Commissioners to compel the Post Office to carry out their obligations to their employés?

Auxiliary postmen are insured as employed contributors; but employment as a collector or deliverer of letters under allowance involving not more than eighteen hours' work weekly is excepted by Special Order as a subsidiary employment, and the persons so employed are not required to be insured in respect of such employment.

Is this large class still to be left out of the benefits under the National Insurance Act?

The employment being of a subsidiary kind these persons could not be insured. I could not within a short answer to a question give the reasons for that, but I may say that they are very good reasons.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government this Session to introduce a Bill dealing with the position of the deposit contributors under the National Insurance Act; and whether the Government contemplate creating a State friendly society for these contributors?

My right hon. Friend would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Members for Dulwich and Pontefract on the 21st May and the 17th June, respectively.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the present condition of the Congested Districts Board in regard to the Reeves estates, Killimer, West Clare; and, if the business is not finally complete, what is the cause of the delay over this matter?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the estate referred to is ready for sale, except portions of two townlands, which they do not propose to sell until additional land is acquired in the vicinity for the relief of congestion on these townlands. About a third of the tenants are at present paying interest on the purchase prices of their holdings in lieu of rent.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when the matter will be finally disposed of?

No, I really could not give the date.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board will now take further steps to secure the production of the necessary maps and documents in connection with the purchase of the E. J. Sugrue estate, parish of Prior, county Kerry?

The Congested Districts Board have been in correspondence with the trustee for the property referred to, but the maps and documents necessary for an inspection have not so far been lodged. The Board do not at present propose to take any steps to acquire the property compulsorily.

When the right hon. Gentleman says the maps have not been produced, do I understand that the trustee has refused to produce them?

No, not refused, but delayed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Congested Districts Board to send a further requisition to this gentleman?

Yes. I can assure the hon. Member that the Congested Districts Board are anxious to get the maps.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Committee appointed to inquire into the pay and pensions of the Royal Irish Constabulary have presented to the Government their Report; if so, when do the Government purpose introducing legislation on the subject; whether the Committee have recommended that the annual pay of the head constable major, at the Royal Irish Constabulary depot, be £130, and that the maximum grade of pay of the other head constables be £120 annually; whether the Government would consider the advisability of making three grades of pay in the rank of head constable, so that men of long service in that rank might attain £130 annual pay; and whether this suggested assimilation of the maximum grade of pay of head constables to the pay of head constable major would be in conformity with the precedent of the Constabulary (Ireland) Act, 1883; and (2) whether he is now prepared to make any statement to the House as to a proposed increase of pay to the rank and file of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether he is aware that considerable discontent exists owing to the long number of years since the last scale of pay for the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary was established and owing to the increased cost of living, which places the men at a disadvantage compared with those who work in a civil capacity; whether he is aware that many men are resigning on account of the small prospects; and, if it is his intention to deal with the matter, whether he will make a statement on the subject at an early date?

As I have already stated the Report was only recently published and is still under my consideration, but I am fully alive to the importance of immediate action, and no effort on my part will be wanting to secure that the matter, which is one of urgency, shall be dealt with at once. The Committee have made the recommendation referred to in the question. The suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member will be duly considered.

I will put a question down for next Thursday in order to get a complete answer.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has any information to give the House regarding the recent attack by a crowd of Nationalist rowdies on a party of excursionists from Portadown, in connection with the local co-operative society; whether he is aware that the party, which was a small one, was composed largely of the wives and children of the members of the society; whether several of the children were knocked down, kicked, and otherwise injured; whether any arrests have been made; and whether excursions have been abandoned to Warrenpoint in consequence of this attack?

The police inform me that an excursion party of between 400 and 500 persons, mainly composed of the Portadown Co-operative Society's employés, accompanied by a band, visited Warrenpoint on the 13th June. Shortly before their return home a rumour was circulated that the Roman Catholic chapel had been wrecked, and a crowd at once collected and attacked the band, a number of whom were boys. An elderly man carrying a banner was knocked down, and is said to have been kicked, but the police are not aware that any women or children were assaulted. The occurrence has been greatly exaggerated in the Press, and no arrests were made. I understand that two excursion parties have been cancelled, but that several others have since visited Warrenpoint without being in any way interfered with.

Was there any truth in the rumour spread abroad that the Roman Catholic chapel had been in any way disturbed?

No, the Roman Catholic chapel had not been damaged.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Charles F. Allen, of 19, Ann Street, Dalton, who was assaulted at Ballybunion, county Kerry, on the 11th instant; whether he is aware that Mr. Allen went to Ireland on the business of the Universal Radio Syndicate; that he was set on in the bar of his hotel without warning by several Irishmen, who used the foulest language towards him, on the ground that he was a Protestant Englishman; that in spite of complaints to the police the assaults were renewed on the following day; that he was obliged to leave Ireland and throw up his job for fear of his life; that in consequence of the assault he has been laid up ever since his return to England; will he say what steps the police are taking in the matter; and whether any arrests have been made?

I am informed that Mr. Allen called at the police barrack at Ballybunion and asked that the police would procure for him the name of a man who had assaulted him. Two constables accompanied him to the hotel and procured for him the information he required, and they understood that Mr. Allen himself intended to take proceedings in the matter. Mr. Allen was under the influence of drink at the time, and any unpleasant consequences would appear to have been brought on by him by his own misconduct. No further assaults were made upon him. He was refused employment by his firm owing to the condition he was in and was paid his expenses back to England.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Pierce Gun Mahony, of Castleisland, posed for the cinema in Tralee with a number of police recently; whether the police officers in this case acted with his sanction; and, if not, what steps is it proposed to take to deal with the matter?

The police inform me that Mr. Mahony, accompanied by his usual police escort, when passing through Tralee on the occasion referred to, was photographed, apparently for the purpose of the cinematograph. The police were unaware of Mr. Mahony's intention to have this done, and I am told lent no assistance to the operation. The instructions to the police are to do what they can to prevent the persons they protect from indulging themselves in this way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on several previous occasions the police and this gentleman have been photographed, and that these photographs have been sent to the Tory Press in this country, and, if that is so, will some steps be taken to prevent this practice?

If the hon. Member will tell me for my own guidance how to prevent people being photographed, I shall be much obliged to him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman has not the slightest need of any police protection?

I do not know about that. It is a matter for the Executive. I shall be only too glad to be relieved of the obligation of protecting him.

Is it not the fact that if the Nationalist party gave orders to withdraw the boycott of this gentleman there would be no necessity for protection?

That is a question I cannot go into without notice.

asked the Chief Secretary whether representations have been made to him that tobacco growing in Ireland is specially adapted for occupiers of small holdings, as affording employment for young members of the family; and, if so, whether he will join in the appeal to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give it material encouragement?

The answer to the first portion of the question is in the affirmative. I do not understand what appeal the hon. Member refers to in the concluding portion of the question.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a postman at Lower Hardres is unable to obtain a house, and that his predecessor was similarly unable to obtain accommodation in that village; and whether he will place the Lower Hardres postman on the Canterbury scale of wages, seeing that he is compelled to live in that city?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to postpone this question.

Will the postman get wages on the higher scale? I have postponed the question once already. How long will I have to wait for a reply?

Till Monday.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the case of Walter Waldren Seagust, of Sidcup, who recently had to leave the service of the Post Office on reaching the age limit; whether he entered the service in 1883, and was a letter carrier until 1886, when he became station messenger until 1898, and in recent years has been employed collecting and delivering parcels; whether he has retired without a pension; and, if so, can he take his case into consideration and make him some compassionate allowance?

I am making inquiries into the case, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether, before permitting any work to be done by the Marconi Company in connection with the erection of long-distance installations in South Africa, India, Singapore and the Malay Peninsula, he will take steps to ascertain what the cost would be to the Post Office if that Department undertook the work; (2) whether any long-distance installations for the transmission of wireless messages have been erected or commenced by the Marconi Company in South Africa, India, Singapore or the Malay Peninsula under the agreement of the 30th July, 1913, or whether notice of any intention to erect such installations has been given to him; and, if so, whether he has exercised, or contemplates exercising, the option provided by the agreement enabling the Post Office to do the work; and (3) how many long-distance installations for the transmission of wireless messages under the agreement of 30th July, 1913, have been constructed, or the construction of which has been commenced, by the Marconi Company in the United Kingdom, Egypt and the East African Protectorate?

The agreement of the 30th July, 1913, provides for single installations in the United Kingdom, in Egypt, in the East African Protectorate, in India, in South Africa, and in Singapore or the Malay Peninsula, respectively, though each of those installations comprises separate sending and receiving stations. Several of the masts of the United Kingdom installation have been erected; a considerable amount of material has been sent out to Egypt; and material has been prepared, and is on the point of being sent out for the masts of the East African, Indian and Singapore stations. The Marconi Company gave notice some time ago that they were placing orders for this material. The Post Office is not at present itself in a position to undertake the work of erecting the second three stations. It is, however, still open to the Government to cancel the contract with the Marconi Company so far as it relates to those stations, and I am still prepared to consider the question of employing any other contractors to carry out the work in connection with the later stations who are able by means of practical demonstration to satisfy me of the efficiency of their system. No such demonstration, however, has yet been given. As the South African Government has not yet finally approved the contract, it is not yet in operation so far as the South African station is concerned.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will answer the last part of question No. 43 as to the cost to the Post Office, if that Department undertook the work?

In the Blue Book which has been published there is an estimate put down. I do not know how far it is accurate, it is in the form which I think the hon. Member knows about. I do not think I should be justified at the present moment in preparing an estimate at very considerable cost.

May I ask if the Government have acquired sites for all these stations?

We have acquired sites in England and in Egypt. We have not yet acquired the other sites, but I think we know, more or less, where we require them to be.

May I ask whether work has begun on the buildings or foundations of the stations?

No, Sir; I have already explained that. If the hon. Member will refer to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight, he will see these facts set out. We do not know exactly where the sites are to be.

Considering that the Committee appointed by the late Postmaster- General some time ago, and also a high official, stated that this was an urgent matter, and that there should be no delay, are not the Government delaying somewhat?

I think I have explained already that one of these stations, a very important one—the South African station—does not depend altogether upon the Government of this country for the acquisition of a site. The South African Government have to ratify the contract, and that has not yet been done.

It is not only the South African station in regard to which there has been delay.

In consequence of the East African station being found unsuitable for communicating direct with India, that has altered the arrangement which was originally contemplated.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now state the names of the Commissioners appointed to consider the Report of the Holt Committee?

I am not yet in a position to make any announcement.

How soon will it be possible to know the names of these gentlemen?

:I will represent again to the Departments concerned the hon. Gentleman's desire to know the names. I cannot control the action of these Departments.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received the names of the members of the staff as members of this Committee?

I have received from what is called the National Joint Committee the names of two members of the staff, but there are a large number of other classes, and I do not know how far they would join in the recommendations made by this committee.

asked the Postmaster-General why the Danish vessel "Oersted" was hired to carry out repairs to the Shetland cable while an English vessel, which had originally laid the Shetland cable was lying in the Thames and was capable of undertaking such work?

The hon. Member is probably referring to the cable ship "Dacia," but she is not so suitable as the "Oersted" for work in the tides of the Pentland Firth, and would have cost twice as much. The "Oersted" is frequently employed for work on the Anglo-Norwegian cables which are jointly owned by the two countries.

Was there not an English vessel lying at that time unemployed in the Thames?

I suppose the vessel referred to in the question is the "Dacia." I do not know by whom she is owned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that postmen, policemen, and other public servants are each awarded a special Royal decoration for acts of heroism and initiative; and, if so, whether he will recommend that such a Royal decoration should in future be given to officers and men in the British merchant service in similar circumstances, looking to the fact that this country is the only country in the world that does not reward the officers and men of its merchant service by some distinction from the head of the State for acts of bravery and devotion to duty?

The question is addressed to the Prime Minister, and I do not see him present.

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to the question. He is afraid the Noble Lord has been misinformed as regards rewards for acts of heroism by officers and men of the British merchant service. He would refer him to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division upon this subject on the 17th March of last year, of which he is sending him a copy.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the appeal to the Irish United League of America for money to provide arms and equipment for the Nationalist Volunteers; and will he take special steps to prevent arms sent from America entering Ireland and increasing the danger of civil war?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that an appeal has been addressed to citizens of the United States of America to give financial support to the arming and equiping of the Irish National Volunteers in order that the Irish people may be in a position to defend their country from an armed force which stands between Ireland and the decision of Parliament to give her liberty; and whether the Government proposes to make any representation to the Government of the United States in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has seen what has appeared in the public Press. The Proclamation as to the importation of arms and ammunition applies to Ireland generally, and steps, which he hopes will be effective, are being taken for its enforcement. His Majesty's Government do not propose to make any representation to the Government of the United States of America on the subject.

Are we to understand that the Government will continue in political alliance with a party whose Volunteers are armed by the deadly enemies of this country?

Are we to understand that the Government concur in the chivalrous idea of the party opposite that they and their friends are to have pistols in the duel and that the other side are not?

Has the right hon. Gentleman ascertained how much money has already come from America to Ireland to foment civil war there through the agency of American heiresses?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether he can confine the prohibition of the importation of arms to the port of Larne and other Ulster ports?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a resolution from the county borough council of Stoke-on-Trent asking for an extension of the time allowed for the repayment of loans taken up by local authorities to meet the cost of making up and paving private streets from seven years to twenty years; and what is the nature of the reply, if any, he has made to the town council upon the matter?

My right hon. Friend has received the resolution referred to, and an acknowledgment was sent. The matter lies within the province of the Local Government Board, and my right hon. Friend the President, to whom a copy of the resolution was also sent, dealt with it in answer to a question on the 18th May.

asked the Prime Minister whether the living of Nantyglo, Monmouthshire, is in his gift; whether the living has been vacant for more than two months; and, if so, when an appointment will be made?

The answer to the first two branches of the question is in the affirmative. An appointment has now been made and announced.

Would it not be possible to give the reason why the delay in making the appointment has been so long?

I have stated that an appointment has now been made.

If other livings become vacant, will the right hon. Gentleman consider that it would be a good thing to leave them vacant until the people themselves can fill them, and not the Prime Minister?

asked the Prime Minister when the East India Revenue Account will be taken?

My right hon. Friend fears he cannot say at present.

Shall we have more than one day to discuss this subject?

I am afraid that it would be very difficult. It is unusual.

asked when the Commission on the Reform of the Income Tax laws which he has in contemplation will be appointed?

The question of an inquiry into this matter is under consideration, and I cannot at present say whether it will or will not be instituted.

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the continued absence of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster from this House; and what steps he proposes to take to give the House the benefit of that Minister's assistance in debate?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask him whether he is aware that this post of Chancellor of the Duchy has been held frequently by gentlemen who are not Members of the House of Commons, and whether he is aware that Mr. Gladstone, when a Cabinet Minister, was out of Parliament from December, 1845 until July 1846?

We know that.

I want the public to know.

In answer to the first part of the question of my hon. Friend (Mr. Swift MacNeill) I believe that the facts are as he states. In reply to the hon. Member for Brentford (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) my right hon. Friend can add nothing to the replies which he gave on this subject on 11th June.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to arrange for one of his doubtful supporters to go to another place?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet consulted with the Home Secretary as to the unconditional release of Miss Sylvia Pankhurst; and, if so, what conclusion has he come to in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend informs me that he has always been willing and is still willing, to recommend to His Majesty the remission of the remainder of Miss Pankhurst's sentence if she will give an undertaking to abstain in future from criminal actions and incitements to crime and disorder.

Has my right hon. Friend read the reply of the Prime Minister to the deputation the other day, and is he aware that the East End women are not advocating violence, and have separated entirely from the W.S.P.U., and seeing that Miss Pankhurst has been arrested eight times can he not see his way to grant the full remission of her sentence?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, as a result of the Infantry soldiers of the Special Reserve not being supplied with dubbing, their boots get so hard that the men get sore feet after walking a few miles and cannot go on; and could he have dubbing for their boots provided for them in the future?

No complaints in the sense mentioned has been received. The boots, as issued to Special Reservists on joining for training should be in a thoroughly dubbed and pliant state, if proper regimental supervision is exercised, as I believe it is. Special Reservists, like Regular soldiers, are provided with blacking and the issue of dubbing in addition is not contemplated in either case.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men are frequently punished for not having their boots clean?

I am not aware of that. There may be isolated cases, but there is no sort of general condition of this kind.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire into the facts?

If the hon. Member will give me any material on which I can inquire I will certainly do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether be is aware that men in the Infantry of the Special Reserve are compelled on all parades, including field days, to wear a thick pair of trousers, and also over them a still thicker pair of putties even in the heat of the summer; and, seeing that this sets up irritation from the heat caused as a consequence and that discomfort is the result, will he inquire into the matter and get the Regulations altered?

The trousers and putties worn by Special Reservists on parades are of the same kind as those worn by Regular and Territorial soldiers. No complaints have been received and no representations have been made by the medical authorities who are concerned with the suitability of the soldiers' clothing.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the putties have to go around the legs and have the effect of stopping ventilation, and interfering very seriously with a man's walking powers? If the hon. Gentleman wants to find out, will he try himself walking a few miles on a hot day dressed as a soldier?

Are not putties worn by soldiers in all parts of the country?

Medical authorities who have inquired into the matter do not agree with the opinion of the hon. Member.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have had it happen to myself?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will explain why so many accidents have occurred with the B.E. aeroplanes of the Army; why the rudder has no stays to strengthen it, and why the main spars of the machine have such large bolts drilled through them to take the strut sockets, when other types of machines do not have their spars weakened by having such large holes drilled through the main spars; and whether he will do away with the use of this type of machine in the Army?

If the number of accidents in connection with B.E. aeroplanes appears to be large, that is because there is a large number of them in use and because they are continuously in the air. The details of construction are based on most careful and long-continued calculation, and the strength of these machines is in every way satisfactory. There is no intention of doing away with this type until it is superseded by some superior pattern.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Army officers have a great dislike to using this type of aeroplane and that they are considered very dangerous? Will he inquire about it? Is he aware that instead of being tied in the ordinary manner they are tied with holes drilled through the wood, which is what makes them dangerous, and will he inquire into the matter?

I would suggest to the hon. Member that he should incorporate his supplementary questions in his original questions and then there would be an opportunity of making inquiry.

I have already inquired into the matter, and I think that it is quite untrue that officers have any dislike to this kind of machine.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state on what principles officers are gazetted to the Army Flying Corps; whether he is aware that officers have left the Flying Corps because, though experienced flyers themselves, they have been put under officers with far less ability and experience of flying; and whether he will take steps to alter this condition of affairs?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Brentford on the 12th and 18th March. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is proposed to give Members of Parliament an opportunity to visit the Army aviation camp on Salisbury Plain?

Arrangements can be made for hon. Members to visit this camp on Monday next. If those who desire to do so will give me their names, I will endeavour to see that their convenience is consulted.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether deported aliens are frequently regaining admission to this country; whether this is due to insufficiency of inspectors or laxity of supervision; and whether he is prepared to adopt any additional methods to prevent a continuance of this evil?

The aliens who are from time to time found in this country after having been expelled from it form a very small proportion of the total number expelled. There is no reason to think that the reentry of this small number is due to the causes suggested in the second part of the question, or could be prevented by any precautions which could reasonably be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the charges under the Coal Mines Act made in a recent case at Nottingham against the Digby Colliery Company; and whether he proposes, by more strenuous supervision of the pit ponies, to prevent a recurrence of the treatment to which they were subjected?

Yes, Sir. The proceedings in question were taken by my direction in consequence of reports received by me from the inspector. I hope that the thorough inspection which has been made of the mine and the substantial penalties imposed upon the owners and management for the offences discovered will have a salutary effect. The inspector has been specially instructed to keep the mine under observation.

asked whether the proposed Grant of £22,000 for reformatory and industrial schools, mentioned in the White Paper (No. 212), is to be in addition to the increased sum of £50,000 mentioned in the circular letter of the Home Office to managers of reformatory and industrial schools dated 26th March last?

The answer is in the affirmative, but it will be understood from the statement made last Monday that the proposed Grant of £22,000 cannot come into operation during the present financial year. The sum of £50,000 is included in the Vote for reformatory and industrial schools for 1914–15.

Does that mean that next year they will get £72,000 above what they got last year?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to recognise under Clause 7 of the Criminal Justice Administration Bill any of the existing societies which provide probation officers, or whether such recognition is to be confined to a new society to be formed in the future?

The hon. Member's question is premature. The matter will properly come up for discussion on the Report stage of the Bill.

asked whether it is the custom in London and elsewhere to take all children apprehended under the Children Act to remand homes immediately they have been formally charged at the police station; and, if not, what cases are exempted?

No, Sir. The ordinary course, in accordance with Section 94 of the Children Act, is that a person under sixteen arrested on any charge is released on bail if he cannot be taken before a Court forthwith; but where for any reason he cannot be released he is taken to a place of detention (sometimes called a remand home) under the Act, except in the cases provided for in Section 95 of the Act.

asked how many of the 1,854 shot-firing accidents that occurred in coal mines between 1903 and 1913 can be ascribed to accidents due to examinations or operations of any sort consequent upon a missed shot?

The number of accidents which occurred during the years 1903 to 1913 in the unramming of shots which had missed fire was eighty-nine, of which three were fatal. Any other accidents which may have occurred in connection with such shots are not classified separately, and I am unable to give the figures.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received copies of any resolutions passed by miners or their trade union representatives calling upon the Government to make compulsory the use of some safety shot-firing appliance in coal mines; and, if so, whether he can state which are those miners' trade unions, and how many men were represented in each case?

I have received copies of resolutions of this character from various associations or branches, including the chief firemen's associations, and South Wales Miners' Federation, and branches or committees of the Derbyshire, Durham and Nottinghamshire Miners' Federations, but I am unable to say how many men are represented in each case.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Metropolitan Police officers who were sent to South Wales during the Tonypandy troubles on 9th November, 1910, and who remained stationed there until 9th February, 1911, have yet received the whole of the pay due to them as sustenance allowance; and, if not, whether he will inquire further into the matter with a view to the sums being paid forthwith?

The officers referred to received the whole of the allowance due to them some three years ago. When Metropolitan Police officers are sent on special duty in the country they receive a special allowance, and usually their food and lodging are provided, but, if food and lodging are not provided, subsistence and lodging allowances are given. In South Wales ample food was supplied and there was no question of giving any subsistence allowance; but the lodging was so bad that, in addition to special allowances, a lodging allowance was granted. The extra emoluments of each constable amounted to 5s., sometimes to 8s. 6d. a day in addition to food and lodging, and, as I have already said, they were all paid long ago.

As there appears to be a strong feeling that this is not entirely accurate in regard to many cases, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry personally?

That is what I have done, and the result of my inquiry has enabled me to give the answer I have just read to the House.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the conditions, if any, to be prescribed by the Board for the payment of Grants to local education authorities for education other than elementary under the Finance Bill will be published before the Bill is passed by the House?

I do not think I could issue Regulations governing the Grants contemplated for education other than elementary before authority has been given by the passing of the Finance Bill. I have, however, already indicated in my speech on Tuesday last the amounts provisionally allocated to these services.

How then is the House of Commons to have any control over an expenditure of the object of which it has not the least idea?

These moneys, when they are to be voted, will come before the House in ordinary Committee of Supply, and on that occasion the House will have an opportunity of criticising the amounts.

Are we to take it that we are called upon to pass this Finance Bill, by which considerable sums of money will be left to the sole discretion of the President of the Board of Education?

The Regulations have to be laid before Parliament before they can come into force.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay the Regulations before the House?