asked whether the Portuguese Government have yet formulated any charges against the Rev. J. S. Bowskill or stated when a trial will take place?

His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon has recently reported by telegraph that he had been informed by the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs that there were no charges against Mr. Bowskill. His Excellency added that at present, and until Lieutenant Crato had finished his inquiry, it was impossible to say whether there would be any or whether Mr. Bowskill would be brought to trial.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is now four months since Mr. Bowskill was arrested, and does he not think that the time has come when the House should be placed in possession of some definite particulars?

I am expecting the final report of our own Consul on the subject, and when I receive it there will be no objection to giving the House full details.

When is that report expected?

It is very difficult to say, because the country is exceedingly disturbed, and it is very difficult to fix a time. I will make inquiries. I desire to get it as soon as possible. Meanwhile Mr. Bowskill is under no restraint at all.

asked whether the general Treaty of Paris and the Convention respecting the Dardanelles, signed on 30th March, 1856, by which Russian warships are prevented from passing through the Dardanelles, are still in force; and whether any negotiations have lately taken place with the view of giving Russia the right to bring warships to and fro between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean?

The Treaty of Paris, subject to such modifications as arise from the Treaty of London of 1871, and the Treaty of Berlin of 1878, and the Convention of March 30th, 1856, which relates to the warships of all nations, are in force. The question of the conditions in which the Straits might be opened to ships of war has sometimes been discussed with his Majesty's Government, but it has not been discussed or been a subject of negotiation, with Russia during the last five years. It is, of course, a matter on which Turkey and all the Powers parties to treaties concerning the Straits would be consulted before any new agreement was come to.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the most highly paid appointments in the Indian Police, that of inspectors-general of police, are, except in the Punjab and the United Provinces, permanently reserved for members of the Indian Civil Service; is he aware that these civilian inspectors-general have no practical experience of police work, that they only hold these appointments for three or five years as stepping-stones to higher appointments, and that they supersede officers of twenty-five to thirty years' practical experience in the police services; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The hon. Member is mistaken, as all local Governments have full discretion to fill the post of inspector-general either from the Indian Civil Service or from the police, as may seem most expedient. He will find this ruling, and the reasons for it, in Parliamentary Paper, Cd. 2478 of 1905.

Is it not in practice found that these appointments are confined to Civil servants?

Numerically at the present time there are more Indian Civil servants, but there is full discretion in the matter in the hands of the local Government.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is general dissatisfaction among police officers, because they are under the impression that they are not getting their fair share?

I cannot interfere with the discretion of the local Government in a matter of the kind.

asked when funds will become available to commence the issue of one-man range-finders to the Army in India, and when it is anticipated that each battalion, both British and Indian, will be equipped with five of these range-finders, the number authorised for the Expeditionary Force in this country?

I regret that I am unable to give the hon. Member the information he desires. It rests with the Government of India to allocate funds for this and other special military requirements within the amount provided in the Budget for special or schedule expenditure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can now make any statement regarding the granting to British service officers serving in India of an increase of pay corresponding to that granted to officers serving at Home and in the Colonies?

An announcement regarding the improvement of pay for British service officers serving in India was made in India on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday. I am circulating a statement with the Votes. [ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has now considered the petition of certain ratepayers in the parish of Stonehouse, anent the appointment of a headmaster to Town-head Street public school, Stonehouse; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I have considered the petition and have also been in communication with the school board on the subject. As a result I see no reason to depart from the view which I expressed in answer to a previous question on the subject, namely, that the appointment and promotion of teachers is one for the discretion of the school board, who in this matter are responsible to their constituents, and I do not feel called upon to express any opinion as to the merits of the question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the objection urged as to the breach of Standing Order No. 2 of the Standing Orders of the Board?

I really think that it is a matter for the school board. I do not think that it is a matter in which I am called on to interfere. Of course, the school board deny the allegation.

asked how many in spectorships of industrial schools there are in Scotland; how many Englishmen have been appointed to these posts in the last ten years; how many holding the offices at the present time have received their training in England; and whether it is intended to continue the policy of appointing men trained in ether countries to such inspectorships?

The earlier portions of my hon. Friend's question are founded upon a misapprehension. There are no separate Scottish inspectorships of industrial schools, but one inspectorate for Great Britain under a chief inspector, who reports to the Secretary for Scotland on all matters relating to reformatory and industrial schools in Scotland. A Departmental Committee on Reformatory and Industrial Schools is now sitting, and the inspection of these schools is one of the subjects upon which the Committee has been asked to report.

Why is it that there is not a separate inspectorate for Scotland?

I do not know that it has been so. For a long time the Committee has been considering whether it is desirable to make a change.

asked what steps the Board of Agriculture for Scotland are taking to inspect fruit and vegetables exposed for sale in Edinburgh and Glasgow markets, and to report any cases of American gooseberry mildew or other notifiable disease; whether there is a daily inspection; and whether this inspection takes place in the early hours of the morning when produce is first sold?

The inspectors of the Board visit these markets at an early hour from time to time to inspect the fruit and vegetables exposed for sale. Arrangements are also made with the authorities of these markets to report immediately to the Board the presence, or apparent presence, of any diseased fruit in the market.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will say what steps the Board of Agriculture for Scotland are taking to secure that fruit and vegetables which are imported from abroad and distributed through the country without being exposed for sale in markets are not infected with American gooseberry mildew or other notifiable disease?

The Board of Agriculture for Scotland do not consider that the risk of the disease being spread by imported fruit and vegetables is as great as that of its being spread from infected gardens and nurseries in this country. The efforts of the staff at the disposal of the Board are therefore concentrated principally upon the inspection of gardens and nurseries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Report of the Scottish Board of Agriculture there is a statement that disease was found in a jam factory in Perthshire of the fruit imported from abroad?

That may be, but I do not think it likely that it caused the spread of the disease.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not take some steps to protect Scottish producers from imported diseased fruit?

We did take steps, as I have described in the answer to the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will take the necessary steps to secure pensions for long and meritorious service for officers and men of the crews of His Majesty's fishery cruisers in Scottish waters, having in view the nature of the duties assigned to them?

The matter to which the hon. and gallant Member refers has not been lost sight of, but I am not in a position at present to add to the replies which were given to his questions on the same subject on the 2nd and 17th July last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when he will be able to answer this question? I have asked it for at least the last three years.

I have had it in mind for the last two years. The question of money has to be considered, but perhaps we will get over that difficulty soon.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if, in view of the fact that the proposal to pay Grants by instalments is a controversial one and that the opinion of school boards is divided, he can state definitely that the Education Department will make no alteration in the existing system for the current year?

In terms of the footnote to Article 13 of the day school code, the introduction of the system of payment of Grants by instalments is deferred until 1st March, 1915, in any case. Its introduction thereafter will be duly considered with reference to the financial circumstances of the time.

Does that mean definitely that no question can possibly arise during the present Session?

Nothing can arise until March, 1915.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will say what recommendations, if any, of the Scottish Departmental Committee on the Fishing Industry he is prepared to adopt?

I am not prepared to make any statement in regard to the recommendations of the Committee's Report at present.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he will state when the minutes of evidence of the Scottish Departmental Committee on Sea Fisheries will be printed?

The volume to which my hon. Friend refers was presented to Parliament yesterday and will. I am informed, be issued to-morrow.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has considered the statement of the Departmental Committee on Inshore Fisheries [Cd. 7373] that there seems to be little doubt that destruction of undersized fish on a large scale is being caused by trawlers; and whether it is proposed to introduce legislation for the prevention of the sale, marketing, or exposure for sale of undersized fish as recommended by the Committee?

The inquiry of the Departmental Committee to which my hon. Friend refers extended only to the inshore fisheries of England and Wales, but I have taken note of the statement which he mentions so far as it has a bearing on Scottish fishery questions. As to legislation, I would refer him to the reply given to his question yesterday by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.

May we understand that the two Departments are in close consultation as to policy?

Certainly, they will consult as to policy before proceeding with legislation. It is rather an international question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Fisheries Commission has obtained all the information required for the purpose of framing its Report; and, if so, when the Report may be expected?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Inter-departmental Committee on Fisheries hopes to be in possession of the necessary information for framing its Report very shortly.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether a large upper room in this House is now vacant; if so, whether he will consider the desirability of making it available for the use of hon. Members; and whether he will have it fitted up as a newspaper room, in which files of important papers for a few back weeks might be kept and thus made available for Members?

Yes, Sir. It is hoped that several large rooms on the Upper Committee Room floor will shortly be acquired for the use of Members. These rooms can easily be reached by the new lift. The First Commissioner would be glad to know to what use Members would wish them put.

Will it be possible to reach these rooms easily by means of the lift?

I have just said so.

I have another question. I should like to know whether these rooms will be quiet and secluded, so as to offer a resort to hon. Members who want to prepare their speeches?

The rooms will be accessible by the new lift.

Will the hon. Member say how he proposes to get the opinion of the hon. Members as to the use to which these rooms are going to be put? Those who have ascended in the lift have found that one of the rooms is already being used by one of the parties in this House, and I am perfectly certain that none of us knew about it.

The intention, in the first place, was that hon. Members should communicate their wishes to the First Commissioner of Works.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that a file of foreign newspapers is put in one of those rooms?

The supply of newspapers is not the concern of the Office of Works.

Are there going to be some attendants to look after these particular rooms?

Can the hon. Gentleman arrange for separate writing tables in one of those rooms?

Oh, yes. If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to communicate with my hon. Friends, so that the wishes of hon. Members may be met.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if any persons employed at the Royal Courts of Justice were deprived of their pay in consequence of the closing of the Courts on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty's birthday; and, if so, will he state the number affected and the total amount of pay involved?

No employés of the Office of Works at the Royal Courts of Justice lost their pay in consequence of the King's birthday.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether the tariff paid to chemists in Scotland under the National Insurance Act is the same as that paid to chemists in England; and whether the chemists in Scotland have shown the necessity, be cause of the different circumstances existing there, of having a Scottish tariff of prices instituted?

The tariffs in force in England were the subject of local negotiations in the various areas, and they afford no ground for a comparison of the circumstances of England as a whole with those of Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Board in 1904 instructed the managers of the Hurdstone Church of England school, Macclesfield, to alter a dangerous staircase and in 1908 threatened to withdraw the Grant; whether the various representations made from 1904 to the the present time have been followed by the required alteration on the part of the managers; and, if not, what action he proposes to take?

The Board have pressed for the reconstruction of this staircase on several occasions and threatened a deduction of Grant in 1910. Improvements of a temporary nature were effected in the staircase last year, but its reconstruction in a permanently satisfactory manner has been postponed, along with the other improvements required in the premises, mainly in consequence of the prolonged negotiations for the sale of the premises to the local education authority. As the negotiations have proved abortive, the Authority now propose to make other provision.

In giving larger Grants than have been previously given, will the right hon. Gentleman provide that a school of this class, which has defied the authority for nine years, shall not share equally with schools brought up to date?

I shall endeavour to do my best to bring any authorities who are behind up to a reasonable standard of efficiency.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use these new Grants for that purpose?

It is only by making deductions from the Grants that I have any power to put pressure on the authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the premises in Trinity Square used as part of the Hurdstone Church of England school, Macclesfield, were closed in January last as dangerous; whether it is intended that they shall remain closed; what was their recognised accommodation; and whether suitable provision has been or will be made for the children displaced?

The premises, which provided accommodation for 239 girls and 185 infants, were closed as stated, and it appears unlikely that they will be reopened. The displaced children have been accommodated temporarily in other public elementary schools, and the local education authority are finding a site for a new school, notices of which have been issued and have expired.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long the Department knew that those schools were in a dangerous condition before they were closed?

I think in 1910, and I believe, in one or two cases, back to 1903.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has received a report from an inspector of the Board on the elementary schools in Liverpool in which fees are charged; and, if so, whether any action will be taken arising from facts revealed in this report?

The information obtained from His Majesty's inspector was incorporated in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's question on 18th May. I do not think it was such as to call for any action by the Board.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to see the full reply, and not only those of the experts, which were given to me on that occasion?

I will consider it.

asked if the expenditure entailed by bankers, trustees, limited liability companies, and others in refunding the excess amount deducted for Income Tax on the 1s. 4d. rate will be met by the Government?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. and learned Member for York.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state why, in spite of repeated pledges given by him, no provision is made in either the Finance Bill or the Revenue Bill for amending the law relating to the collection and assessment of Income Tax on the incomes of husband and wife; why the necessary Resolutions for this purpose were not obtained, notwithstanding that it was pointed out on the 4th May, 1914, that such Resolutions were necessary; when he proposes to move the Resolutions for this purpose; and whether, in considering this, he will bear in mind that he specifically promised to deal with this matter early during the present Session?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the statement on this subject which I made yesterday.

Will the right hon Gentleman see his way to table the Resolution a few days before it is taken, as the subject is one raising certain questions of difficulty?

Yes; I do not see any reason why that should not be done. I will consult my advisers on the subject. I think it might be desirable.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give any estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of the relief from Income Tax to persons in respect of the deduction in each year in arriving at the balance of his profits or gains for the purpose of assessment under Schedule D of a sum proportionate to the cost of, or to the premium paid for, any lease of premises used solely for the carrying on of any trade, business, or profession?

I understand the hon. Member to ask for an estimate of the cost of allowing a trader who holds his business premises on lease to deduct, in arriving at his assessable profits, a part (proportionate to the length of the lease) of the capital cost of the lease. I fear it is impossible to give any estimate of the cost of allowance on these lines.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in order to secure and extend the elementary education of England and Wales being free of fees, he will insert an Amendment in the Finance Bill and thus provide that the new Block Grant of 36s. a unit shall be given in full only to schools charging no fees, but shall be given in respect of fee schools subject to a deduction equal to the amount of the fees charged?

If the Block Grant is calculated, as at present proposed, on the net expenditure of each authority, any fees received by the authority will reduce this sum, and therefore reduce the Block Grant to the extent of two-fifths of the amount so received. I do not think the matter can be dealt with in the way proposed by the hon. Member, but I am considering whether any amendment can be made to render the law relating to fees more satisfactory.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that more time will be available for dealing with Grants to local authorities if the Finance Bill is divided, as indicated by the President of the Local Government Board, and in view of the result of the Division on the Amendment to the Motion for the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, he will reconsider the decision of the Government not to make temporary Grants to local authorities this year?

I can add nothing to the statements on this subject I have already made in this House.

Is it not the case that when the Clauses dealing with the local Grants are free from the time limit of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act the House has more time?

Undoubtedly.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board require systematic weighing and measuring of all children entering and leaving public elementary schools (apart from the frequent weighing of certain delicate children) as part of routine medical inspection; whether the practical results obtained justify the expenditure of time, energy, and money required for the fulfilment of this condition; whether the Board have refused to pay Grant at the maximum rate under the medical Grant regulations because any authority has not been convinced as to the necessity for such weighing and measuring; and whether, in view of the decision of this House when considering the Education (Administrative Provisions) Bill, 1907, not to impose by Statute upon the rates the burden of making provision for such periodic weighing and measuring, he will explain why the Board uses the power of the purse to compel an authority to make such provision?

The Board have not regarded the weighing and measuring of children as essential to the performance of the minimum statutory duty of a local education authority; but they have always included the child's height and weight in their "model" inspection schedule, since they hold that no child can be considered properly examined medically so long as the medical officer remains in ignorance of its height and weight. In assessing the Grant the Board have, therefore, felt bound to take this circumstance into consideration. As regards the second part of the question, experience justifies me in answering it in the affirmative. I assume that in the last question the hon. Baronet is referring to the Amendment moved by the hon. Member for the University of London on the 12th August, 1907, the purpose of which was to give authorities power to institute a system of periodic measurement mainly with a view to the collection of anthropometric data. The Board do not regard provision for the periodic weighing and measuring of children with the view to the collection of anthropometric data as an essential part of an efficient school medical service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the establishment of a proper medical standard and medical inspection?

We are putting pressure in that direction, and I am endeavouring to do what I can to secure proper regard to the heights and weights of school children.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the donations announced last year by the Lord Chancellor as offered towards the acquisition of a permanent site for London University buildings are still available; and whether these donations were made contingent upon the purchase of the Duke of Bedford's site in Bloomsbury?

I am not able to answer these questions which relate to matters of which I have no official cognisance.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury why payment by merchants to Custom House preventive officers for overtime work has been disallowed?

The old system of direct payment by merchants to Water-guard officers has been discontinued, because it gave rise to anomalies, and frequently operated inequitably as between one officer and another. Under the new system all officers are treated alike, overtime being paid direct to them by the Board.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware there is very great dissatisfaction at having this right taken away, and will he allow the overtime to be paid?

They get overtime paid under the contract.

Is it not a fact that you only allow that after forty-eight hours' work? They are ingenious regulations. You cheat them out of it.

The men's scale of overtime is working more equitably between the different officers than the old system.

They do not think so themselves.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can give any estimate of the number of rifles and rounds of ammunition that have been introduced into Ireland since the Proclamation prohibiting such importation was first issued?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of the Nationalist Volunteers in Ireland according to the latest information in his possession?

The number of Irish Volunteers according to latest information is estimated at 114,000.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that a farmer motor-cycling home from Londonderry recently was set upon by National Volunteer pickets and seriously injured; if the man was rescued by the local police, who were also assaulted and besieged in barracks; and if proceedings have been instituted against those concerned in the outrage?

I am informed that Mr. Robert Mooney was stopped while riding a motor cycle through Londonderry on the night of the 19th June and was assaulted, but not seriously injured. Two constables who were on duty in the vicinity took Mooney to the police station and subsequently escorted him outside the city. The crowd attempted to follow Mooney, but were kept back by the police and some Irish Volunteers, who gave useful assistance. None of the police were assaulted on the occasion. The matter has been fully investigated by the police, and every effort made to obtain evidence of identification against the offenders, but without success.

Have they been successful in obtaining evidence of identification?

I say that every effort has been made to obtain evidence of identification against the offenders, but without success.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the hours of labour of Metropolitan police constables on Sunday day duty, and what time is allowed them between the hour of commencing duty and the hour of finishing duty, in order that they may get refreshments to eat and drink?

The hours of day duty on Sundays are eight, and mainly to meet the wishes of the men they are allowed to perform this duty in one tour, whereby they secure a longer period of uninterrupted leisure. The men carry their own food with them, and are instructed to take it as opportunity presents itself. It would not be practicable to provide temporary relief on Sunday, since it is the practice to allow as large a number of men as possible to avail themselves of the leave due to them on that day. Any alteration of the existing practice would, I believe, be unpopular with the great majority of the men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has official information to the effect that the coal under a tract of 4,000 acres in the Kentish coalfield has just been acquired by a French firm of ironmasters, and that two groups of Belgian capitalists are also negotiating for large areas of coal-land in Kent; and, if so, can he state the total acreage which is now controlled by foreign companies or firms?

The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to this question. The Home Office has no official information on the subject, but in accordance with the promise I gave to the hon. Member when replying to his previous question of the 12th of March, I made some inquiries, which went to show that foreign companies or syndicates had acquired leases of about 16,000 acres of the Kentish coal-field, and negotiations for the lease of 2,000 more were in progress.

Does that 16,000 acres include the 4,000 acres which has just been taken by a French firm?

I could not say. I have given the hon. Member all the information I have on the subject.

Is it not the fact that part of this acreage is quite adjacent to Dover and on the coast from Dover to Deal, and has he taken into consideration the possible danger in time of war from having a large tract of coal land so near important defensive stations owned in that way?

I have no power in the matter, but perhaps the Noble Lord would make representations to the owner of the coal to refrain from selling.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not the power under the Official Secrets Act to prohibit coal being worked within a certain distance of a dock?

I have no powers of that kind.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has at any time conferred directly or indirectly with Mr. Yexley, the editor of the "Fleet," against whom Captain Kemp has recently obtained heavy damages for libel, with regard to the drawing up of Regulations for the revised pay of seamen?

Yes, Sir, I consulted Mr. Yexley and a good many other persons directly and indirectly on the subject of the recent increases in the pay of the Fleet, and received much information that was of value.

Is Mr. Yexley still confidential adviser to the Admiralty?

I am not aware that he has ever occupied that position.

Is the House to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that he has paid no attention to the instructions or to the advice that has been tendered by Mr. Yexley?

There being no reply,

Then the House is to draw its own conclusion.

asked if arrangements had yet been made for the construction of the battleships and battleship cruisers included in the 1914–15 building programme; how many of these will be built in the Admiralty yards and how many under contract; and which of the ships will be constructed for the use of oil fuel?

The proposed allocation of the battleships of this year's programme is shown on pages 234 and 238 of the current Navy Estimates issued in March last. As I informed the House on the 21st May last, orders for the two contract-built ships have already been placed. It is not the practice of this or any other country to publish the details of battleship designs at so early a stage of their construction.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty are in possession of evidence showing the commercial possibility of obtaining oil fuel at remunerative rates from coal within the Home area, he is prepared to consider the advisability of rendering assistance to undertakings of financial soundness operating within the United Kingdom on principles similar to those upon which assistance has been or is to be given to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am not able at present to add to the statements I have made on this subject both in Committee and in answer to questions.

Are the Admiralty in possession of the evidence to which I refer in the first part of the question—that oil fuel can be obtained at remunerative rates in the Home area?

I dealt with this point in my answer some days ago. I pointed out that the difficulty of producing oil at home is not so much the chemical and technical process as the difficulty of disposing of the by-products—the residue. I cannot add anything to the full answer that I then gave.

asked the Postmaster-General by what method he proposes that the Post Office staff should select the two representatives for the proposed Committee to deal with the Holt Report, seeing that there are a number of different grades, each having its own association, which to some extent are independent of one another?

The National Joint Committee of Postal and Telegraph Associations has recommended to me the names of two representatives, who are the secretary of the Postmen's Federation and a telegraphist respectively. As the National Joint Committee represents considerably over 50 per cent. of the total number of postal servants affected by the Holt Report, and has secured the adhesion of some classes who do not usually belong to that organisation, it may be assumed that any selection by a vote would only result in the same persons being selected, and I am inclined, therefore, to accept the names of Mr. Stuart and Mr. Young.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mary Sullivan ( née Kelly), Breahig, near Waterville, has applied for an old age pension; that she has been married forty-nine years, her eldest son being now forty-seven years of age; and whether, in view of the fact that she was married at the age of twenty-four, he will state why she has not yet been granted a pension?

Mary Sullivan ( née Kelly) was married on the 17th April, 1866, but there is no evidence to show what her age was at the date of her marriage. In the absence of any satisfactory evidence the Local Government Board decided that she was not entitled to a pension.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the date upon which the agreements between the owner and the tenants on the W. J. Talbot estate at Mount Talbot, Roscommon, were lodged with the Estates Commissioners; and whether he will give any idea when the vesting orders will be issued?

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale by the vendor direct to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and purchase agreements at prices agreed upon between the parties were lodged with the Estates Commissioners in February, 1908. The estate is not in priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash) for payment during the current financial year, but it is anticipated that, provided the Commissioners' requirements are complied with, the holdings will be vested in the purchasing tenants before the end of the next financial year.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give facilities for the further progress of the Children (Employment and School Attendance) Bill?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. With the existing heavy demands on Government time and the serious opposition which has manifested itself against the Bill, my right hon. Friend is afraid it is impossible to grant facilities for the Bill this Session.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain of the reforms proposed in this Bill are long overdue and to some of them there is very little opposition, and would he give time to see if we could proceed with the less contentious part of the Bill?

I will put that point to the Prime Minister. There is, no doubt, very serious opposition to the leading feature of the Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider that a measure on these lines was promised in the King's Speech last year and that all the important parts of the Bill have been already passed through a number of stages by the House at one time or another?

I agree, but there is the question of time. I am afraid the Government could not afford the time, and the House would not remain.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that portion of this Bill, not a very contentious portion, has passed through each House of Parliament in different Sessions?

I would like to look into that to see what part is non-contentious and if my hon. Friend calls my attention to that I will put it before my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War what percentage of the total enrolled number of officers and men of the Infantry Territorial battalions of Lancashire and Cheshire attended their annual camp this year in the Whitsuntide holidays, indicating what percentage attended for one week and what for the whole period, and giving comparative figures for the same battalions of their attendance at last year's annual camp?

In the battalions indicated 8.9 of the strength attended for less than the whole period, and 85.1 for the whole period. The corresponding percentages for last year were 19 per cent. and 71.V per cent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that that extra attendance was due to the pound bounty that has been given for the first time this year?

It is impossible to give an answer yet as we have not had sufficient experience. I should not wonder if that had something to do with the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as there is now a larger number of Cavalry regiments stationed in Great Britain and available for service in India than formerly, the term of service of those British Cavalry regiments serving in India will be shortened?

No change is contemplated.

Is it not the case that some regiments may be in India for shorter periods than others?

No. I think the hon. Gentleman is mistaken. I think they will all be there for the same period.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will in future appoint as Special Commissioners of Income Tax persons other than surveyors of taxes or other persons who have been in the service of the Crown?

My right hon. Friend sees no reason to depart from the present policy under which some of these appointments are filled from persons who have previously been in the service of the Crown and some from persons who have not.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that one can get an impartial tribunal when that tribunal is composed of Government officials?

I think it is a very extraordinary doctrine to assume that Government officials cannot be impartial.

Are they not more likely to take the part of the Crown in any dispute between the Crown and a private subject?

I do not think so. I think that they act very judicially and impartially.

asked how many valuations under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910 have now been finally completed in Scotland; and how many remain to be made or finally adjusted?

As I have stated in reply to similar questions relating to England and Wales and Ireland, the only figures at present available are those of the number of valuations served and remaining to be served. The respective figures for Scotland are 273,720 and 134,109, but in some 11,000 cases included in the latter figure the preliminary work has been completed.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in the year 1899 there were in Irish national schools 91 assistant teachers in first-of-first class, 277 assistant teachers in second-of-first class, and 1,553 assistant teachers in second class; that these assistants were promoted to these classes on the same conditions as principal teachers; and that, under existing rules, six consecutive very good reports in the last six years of twelve or more years' service are required for promotion of assistants, whereas only three good reports are required by principal teachers; if so, will he explain why the Commissioners require a higher standard of qualification for assistants' promotion than for principals'; and whether, seeing that it is not the fault of experienced assistants that they remain assistants, and that the Commissioners have neglected to frame rules which would insist on vacant principalships being filled by these experienced assistants, he will say what steps the Commissioners intend taking in future for the promotion at a more rapid rate of Irish assistant teachers?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the numbers and classes of teachers in 1899 were as stated in the question. Assistant teachers were at that time promoted in classification on the same conditions as principal teachers, but such promotion generally speaking brought no corresponding increase of salary. No comparison such as is made in the question between the number of Reports necessary for promotion of the two classes of teachers is equitable without a consideration of all the other aspects of the question. The promotions of principals are regulated by rule, the promotions of assistants are exceptions to a rule, and to justify the exception in the case of the latter, very high qualifications are expected. The Commissioners have had the question of the promotion of assistant teachers under consideration for some time, and they have given facilities for the more rapid promotion of these officers in certain cases. The question is, however, being still considered with a view to an increase of these facilities for promotion, if possible.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a question, of which I have given private notice: Whether he has received any further information as to the safety or otherwise of Mr. Anthony Dell, correspondent of the "Daily Citizen," who has been taken prisoner by the insurgents in Albania; and whether he will make strong representations for the immediate release of Mr. Dell and his safe passage to this country?

I have heard nothing since yesterday, when the British delegate on the International Commission in Albania informed me by telegraph that a letter had been received from Mr. Dell, stating that he was well and in no danger, and would probably shortly be released. The newspaper was informed of this at once by telephone. Mr. Lamb will, of course, do all he can to help Mr. Dell.

Can the Prime Minister say what business will be taken on Friday?

Supply (Post Office Vote).

What item will be put first?

We will consider that.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the suggestion made before—that two days have already been given to the Post Office Vote, while no Scottish business at all has been considered, and also that no big general question should be allowed to occupy the whole day?

We will bear that in mind.

I rise, Sir, to move,

"That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty to express the indignation and deep concern with which this House has learned of the assassination of His Imperial and Royal Highness the Archduke Francis Ferdinand and of his Consort, and to pray His Majesty that he will be graciously pleased to express to His Imperial and Royal Majesty the Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary on the part of this House, his faithful Commons, their abhorrence of the crime and their profound sympathy with the Imperial and Royal Family and with the Governments and peoples of the Dual Monarchy."

Mr. Speaker, we are once more confronted with one of those incredible crimes which almost make us despair of the progress of mankind. The victims, the Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his Consort, were within the last few months the guests of our King. They left behind them, among all here who had the privilege of seeing and knowing them, a gracious and an unfading memory. Our thoughts and hearts turn to the illustrious Sovereign, the Emperor of Austria, who has for the better part of seventy years sustained on his own shoulders an almost unexampled burden of care and responsibility. Called to the throne of a vast Empire before most of us here were born, he has set an example to the rulers of the world of patient assiduity and devoted self-sacrifice in the pursuit of duty to which there have been few parallels in our own or any other time. Tried by the most exacting standard during the better part of the lifetime of two generations, he has never failed to attain the highest ideal of what, under the imperious stress of new and ever-shifting conditions, Kingship can be made to be. In sunshine and in storm, whether fortune smiled or frowned, he has been the unperturbed, sagacious, and heroic head of a mighty State, rich in splendid traditions, and associated with us in this country in some of the most moving and treasured chapters of our common history. Around few figures in the history of Europe has it pleased Providence to gather and concentrate such a pitiless, and, to the human eye, such an unmerited succession of dark and wounding experiences. He and his people have always been our friends, and in the name of the Commons, of the nation, of this United Kingdom, and in the presence of this last and most inscrutable affliction, we respectfully tender to him and to the great family of nations of which he is the venerable and venerated head, our heartfelt and our most affectionate sympathy.

In seconding the Motion which has just been proposed by the right hon. Gentleman, in language so eloquent and so appropriate, I desire to join with him in expressing our abhorrence of the crime and our sympathy with the Austrian people and their ruler in the calamity which we deplore. This crime, as the right hon. Gentleman has truly said, is one of those which, of all others, seems the most objectless. It has struck down the Archduke in the prime of life at the post of duty, it has struck down the wife whom he dearly loved, and who tried in vain to save him, and it has made their little children orphans, not because of any offence which he has committed, but as an act of revenge against conditions and against a system for which he was not responsible, and which such crimes can never alter. As the Prime Minister has shown us, the heart of the whole world is turned to-day in sorrow and in pity to the lonely desolate figure of the aged Emperor. Well might he exclaim, as he is reported to have exclaimed: "I am to be spared no sorrow." He had already drained almost to its dregs the cup of human suffering, and on the rack of this tough world he is stretched out still. What changes he has seen! In what changes has he taken part during the almost seventy years since he ascended the throne! Amidst all these changes—some of them world-wide—which have altered the political centre of gravity of Europe, there is one which is not least important, and which to him may perhaps be most gratifying. When he first assumed his crown in the year of revolution he maintained his position by force and force alone. All that is changed! His steadfast devotion to duty—as he saw it!—during a period which has covered two generations of men, has had its reward, until now it is, I think, true to say that there is no Sovereign in the world who enjoys in fuller measure than he the respect, confidence, and love of his people.

Question put, and agreed to nemine contradicente.

To be presented by Privy Councillors or Members of His Majesty's Household.