asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will arrange for school children to be allowed to bathe in the Serpentine from mid-day onwards during the months of July, August, and September?

Children are allowed to bathe in the Serpentine from 1 o'clock during the school holidays. On the whole it does not seem desirable to extend the facilities.

On what date will they be permitted to bathe this year?

The arrangements will date from the date on which the elementary schools break up for the holidays.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East the expert qualifications of the members of the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland; whether the First Commissioner consulted any Scottish Members of Parliament before selecting the members of the Board; whether he consulted the Secretary for Scotland; and why he persists in refusing the expressed desire of Scottish Members for direct representation on a Board concerned with the care of Scotland's historic monuments?

The First Commissioner will send my hon. Friend the names of the members of the Scottish Board, which is national in character, and includes some of the most eminent of Scottish antiquarians.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question, which asks whether the Board of Works consulted the Secretary for Scotland, or whether they consulted any Scottish Member, before deciding this matter?

As the First Commissioner is responsible for the appointment, if my hon. Friend has any suggestion to make he will be glad to receive it.

Do we understand there was no such consultation?

No, Sir. What I said was the First Commissioner was responsible for the appointment.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state in detail wherein the general responsibilities of the new post proposed at the Scottish Office of Works differ from those now obtaining, and the name and rank of the official in the English Office of Works who will supervise the work of the proposed new principal architect in Edinburgh?

There has been a rearrangement of work, but the salary has been reduced, because it was considered to be disproportionate to the duties. The Scottish Office of Works is responsible to no English official.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the sale to foreign syndicates and firms of the coal under (nearly 20,000 acres of land in Kent; and if the Admiralty proposes, by lease or otherwise, to retain control of such portion of this field as may be desirable for the supply in the future of coal and oil for the Fleet?

The Admiralty understand that leases have been obtained by foreign syndicates, and the general extent of such leases has been indicated in a recent reply to the hon. Member given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. In reply to the second part of the question, no necessity is seen in present circumstances for any such steps as those suggested. The Admiralty has no reason to anticipate any difficulty whatever in obtaining supplies of coal for all naval purposes. The question of extraction of oil from coal has been dealt with in replies to other recent questions.

Has the First Lord given personal attention to this matter, and does he propose to go and inspect these fields?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the original specification with regard to the amount of sulphur in Mexican oil has been altered, and, if so, to what extent?

When Mexican oil was first purchased by the Admiralty, a latitude of ¾ per cent. was allowed on the normal specification limit of 3 per cent. The average of actual supplies, however, showed a percentage slightly below 3½, and that rate, namely, 3½ per cent., has been adopted as a maximum in the current contract coupled with a condition that the price shall be reduced if the actual percentage is above 3 per cent.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the committee appointed to consider, matters connected with the accountant branch of the Royal Navy have yet reported; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of submitting their Report to Parliament?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Report of the Committee on the Naval Accountants Branch will be published; if so, when this will be done; and whether it is proposed to adopt the recommendations of the Committee?

I must refer the hon. Member to the replies, given to the hon. Member for Plymouth on the 3rd April, and to the hon. Member for Dulwich on the 23rd June.

Can the hon. Member say why this Report was not in the hands of Members of this House?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to say what rearrangements of work have been made as will reduce the number of discharges substantially below the number which originally seemed necessary?

As I have already stated steps have been taken during the last few weeks which have enabled us, by readjustment of work between the yards, substantially to reduce the number of discharges originally contemplated. I am now glad to be able to say that a further resurvey of the situation places us in the position to avoid any discharges as far as can be seen at present.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be advisable to state what these rearrangements are so that the men in the yards may understand?

The men in the yards understand all right. The First Lord no doubt will make a statement on Vote 8 as to the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when Vote G will be taken?

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he received on the 24th June a letter from the National Vaccination Officers' Association, with reference to the salary that the Bermondsey guardians propose to pay their vaccination officer and to the conditions imposed by them, being contrary to the Local Government Board Orders, 1908, and asking that he would grant this officer and one or two others, together with the honorary secretary, an interview with regard to the case and to the whole question generally; and, if so, will he say what action he proposes to take with regard to the Bermondsey case; and whether he will grant the interview asked for?

My right hon. Friend has received the letter referred to. The guardians propose to pay an inclusive salary of £230 per annum, which is, in his opinion, ordinarily a sufficient remuneration for the work which a vaccination officer is called upon to perform. The guardians were, however, informed that the Local Government Board would be willing to sanction a somewhat larger salary in this case, but they adhered to the amount they had proposed. They have been informed that a condition that the officer should himself defray the cost of any legal assistance which it may be necessary for him to obtain is contrary to the General Order of 1898, and cannot be sanctioned. The case is not one in which my right hon. Friend can properly intervene further, and it does not appear that there would be any advantage in the interview proposed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be advisable, as he has lately assumed his new office, to hear both sides of the case before he comes to a decision?

My right hon. Friend has fully considered the matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps, if any, he has been able to take to remove the pressing disabilities of medical officers of health as regards insecurity of tenure, absence of any scheme of superannuation, and inability to obtain payment of travelling expenses in discharge of their duties, which were brought under his notice by the deputation which he and the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the President of the Board of Education recently received; and whether the position of sanitary inspectors, as regards some of their disabilities, is likely to be improved?

I can say no more at the present moment than that the matter is engaging the close attention of my right hon. Friend.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, if he will inquire into the case of Mr. Digby, of Booking, Essex, who, whilst following his employment at Ashley Adkins Mill in that town fell, by reason of faintness due to natural causes, from his loom whilst at work and was unable to work afterwards for several weeks; and whether the Insurance Commissioners have communicated with the Order of Druids Society, in which Mr. Digby was insured, with a view to their paying benefit for the time the assured was unable to work?

The Commissioners have communicated with the approved society who state that the case appears to them to be one for compensation and not for the payment of sickness benefit. The Commissioners have no power to pronounce upon a case of this kind unless it is brought before them for judicial decision on formal appeal by the insured person.

Am I to understand that if an insured person applies direct to the Insurance Commissioners they will inquire as between himself and the friendly society?

No, Sir; the insured person should first have the question decided according to the rules of the society, and then, if dissatisfied, should make an appeal to the Commissioners?

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, if complaints have been made as to the unhealthy conditions obtaining at the Maida Vale offices of the National Health Insurance Commission; if part of the building, known as the bandstand, was at one time used for the accommodation of male clerks; if, in consequence of their refusing to work there owing to the excessive heat and other reasons, they were removed elsewhere, a number of girl clerks taking their place in this part of the building; if the use of the bandstand has now had to be permanently discontinued; if a recent inspection of the building was made by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to ascertain the conditions obtaining; and how long it is proposed to continue the use of these premises for the present purpose?

Representations have been received in regard to such matters as additional windows and ventilating fans; and improvements have been made in this respect from time to time. The insinuation contained in the second part of the question is entirely baseless, and the health record of the staff as a whole compares not unfavourably with that of other departments. There is no present question of discontinuing the use of the premises.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if the inspection was not made previous to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster going down, and if temporary improvements were not made, and whether he will take steps to see that the temporary improvements are made permanent?

I cannot answer the first part, but every care will be taken to make this building as safe as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the provisions of Section 87 of the National Insurance Act are being evaded, and that workmen belonging to the building trade in London are in receipt of unemployment benefit although they have lost their employment by reason of a trade dispute at the premises where they were employed; whether he can state the amount of unemployment benefit paid to workmen in the London building trade for the week before the commencement of the dispute and for the last recorded complete week; and what steps he proposes to take to stop the funds accumulated under Part II. of the National Insurance Act being paid away contrary to its provisions?

I am not aware that the provisions of Section 87 of the National Insurance Act are being evaded, or that funds accumulated under that Act are being paid away improperly, in connection with the London building trade dispute. If the hon. Member will bring any specific cases to my notice I will inquire into them. The precise information asked for by the hen. Member could not be given without very laborious research, but I will see what information can be furnished and will communicate with him in due course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to see that persons before they receive unemployment benefit have been bonâ-fide employed elsewhere in insured trades?

Yes, the officers responsible for the distribution of unemployment benefit locally see to that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he proposes to make any additions to the list of medical necessities in the Second Schedule to Part I. of the National Insurance Act, in view of specific diseases or accidents obtaining in certain industries?

The question of any addition to the schedule of prescribed medical and surgical appliances, to which the Noble Lord presumably refers, will be considered in connection with the revision of the Regulations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the revision of the Regulations will be undertaken?

I cannot say precisely. Perhaps the Noble Lord will put a question down.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps have been taken with regard to the shipping strike in British ports; and, if so, what they are?

I understand that during the last few days discussions have been taking place between a committee of the Shipping Federation and the joint committee of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, the Steam Engine-Makers' Society, and the Marine Engineers' Association. In the circumstances of the case, it does not appear practicable for the Department to take action at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make inquiry as to the daily hours of labour of the crews of railway passenger steamers on the Firth of Clyde?

I have asked the railway companies concerned for their observations in this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of their replies.

asked whether the Regulations with regard to the display of lights by vessels at anchor are at present being enforced in the Firth of Clyde and adjacent lochs; whether repeated complaints from owners and masters of passenger steamers have been made to the Board of Trade; and, in view of the approaching Glasgow holidays, when many thousands of passengers will be conveyed on passenger steamers in the Firth, will he say what action the Board of Trade has taken to ensure the safety of passenger vessels by enforcing the Regulations?

I presume my hon. Friend's question refers to the display of lights by small pleasure yachts which lie in secluded parts of the Firth of Clyde and adjacent lochs out of the routes ordinarily taken by passenger steamers. The application to all these yachts of the requirement to display anchor lights would, I understand, be a serious matter to their owners and might involve the pleasure boats being driven out of existence, which I am sure my hon. Friend would not desire. Any action which might be taken could not, of course, be confined to the Clyde, and I am ascertaining whether the same question arises in other parts of the United Kingdom with the view of deciding whether anything should be done in the matter generally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two years ago one of the Clyde Steam Packet vessels ran down a small yacht which was anchored not in a secure part and which displayed no lights in contravention of these Orders?

I believe that occasionally accidents have occurred, but it is a very difficult matter to apply to every yacht and every pleasure boat, wherever situated, the rigid technical rule which my hon. Friend wants me to apply to the yachts in this particular area. I am investigating the whole matter, and if it is possible I may have different rules for different areas.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any agreement has been made between the Board of Trade and Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company respecting the supply of wireless telegraph installations to British ships under the Merchant Shipping Convention; and, if so, will he lay it upon the Table?

The Board of Trade, in consultation with the representatives of the shipowners, have for some time been negotiating with the Marconi Company with a view to an agreement which, in the event of the Merchant Shipping Convention Bill becoming law, will ensure that the shipowners who, under that measure, will be required to have their ships fitted with wireless installations will be able to obtain this service on reasonable terms. The agreement, which is nearing completion, will not, of course, impose on shipowners any obligation whatever to obtain their installations from this particular company. When the agreement is completed I propose to lay it before Parliament.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the agreement will be completed before the Shipping Convention Bill is passed through the Committee upstairs?

I should think not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether some inquiries or negotiations have taken place with regard to other firms which manufacture wireless apparatus?

I assume that has been done, but I shall be pleased to inform the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have recently made any inquiries as to the rates of wages paid to agricultural labourers in England, Scotland, Ireland, or Wales; whether his Department have any figures relating to agricultural wages more recent than 1907; and, if so, whether he will have these figures printed and circulated as a White Paper?

Since the issue of the Report referred to by the hon. Member, information with regard to agricultural wages has been given in each of the Annual Reports dealing with changes in rates of wages and in the Annual Abstracts of the Labour Statistics of the United Kingdom. As this information only refers to cash rates, it is desirable that the figures given in the 1907 Report, covering all extra payments and allowances, should be brought up to date, and I am proposing to take steps for this purpose during the coming autumn.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will not be possible in view of the great importance of this question to hurry up the steps he is taking so that the information may be available during the present Session?

I may inform the hon. Member that we have accelerated what steps are necessary. We have the consent of the Treasury and the matter is proceeding.

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that he has at the Board of Trade statistics sufficiently accurate for the information of hon. Members to make it worth while, will he put it in the form of a White Paper?

I think that by the time those figures were collected we should have much more reliable figures, owing to a more complete investigation which is being made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what date will this official information be forthcoming?

I think it is undesirable between now and the end of the harvest that farmers and others should be supplied with schedules at their busiest time of the year, but as soon as the harvest is over we hope to collect all this information and get it as reliable as possible.

Would it not be possible to collect in one paper the information referred to for what it is worth so that we should have that information before us in some available form instead of having to search through all the documents?

For what it is worth I will consider the suggestion of the Noble Lord.

Is it not clear to the right hon. Gentleman that if these schedules are not sent out to the farmers until after the harvest operations he will not get any figures during the present year?

The hon. Member is mistaken. I did not say I would not send out the schedules, but I would not expect the farmers to fill up the schedules while the harvest is going on.

asked (1) the President of the Board of Education what is happening in the Dowlais Roman Catholic school case; what position the Roman Catholic children and their parents are in in consequence of the inquiry; (2) whether the teachers in the Roman Catholic school case at Dowlais have been refused part of their salaries; and (3) whether, at the inquiry held into the Dowlais Roman Catholic school case, it was decided by the Board that the teachers had been illegally dismissed?

The Board have given their determination on the questions in dispute between the local education authority and the managers. They have decided that they cannot overrule the local education authority in their action in refusing consent to the dismissal of the head mistress, but that no sufficient direction was given by the authority to the managers to dismiss the assistant teachers. They have further undertaken, if the managers or any other persons desire to bring charges against the head mistress which, in their opinion, are such as to render it necessary or desirable that the Board should recall or suspend her certificate, to cause the matter to be investigated. The managers have now asked for such investigation. I understand that the authority are taking counsel's opinion with reference to the payment of salaries of the assistant teachers. As far as I am aware most of the children are attending the school.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in the Survey Reports of the Board twelve cases of voluntary schools in London occur in which the general defects do not admit of any remedy; what steps are being taken to replace hopelessly bad school premises; (2) whether he is aware that the premises of the St. Andrew's (Holborn) parochial school are very defective; that there is no playground; that the small yard is not enough for physical exercises or recreation, and that, in consequence, the 300 children in this school are deprived of proper education; what action he intends to take; and (3) whether he is aware that the parochial school of St. George the Martyr, Holborn, is without any play ground for boys, and that recreation and physical exercises are taken in the public road; whether this arrangement is according to the regulations of the Board; whether it will be allowed to be continued; and whether any steps are being taken to provide proper accommodation for the children?

I am fully aware of the facts of the cases referred to as they appear to be taken by the hon. Member from the official correspondence of the Board. I have drawn the attention of the London County Council and the managers to the defects, and it is my intention to secure improvement as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use the new large Grants that are being voted shortly as a lever to compel instant action on the part of the local authorities?

I cannot compel instant action until I have got the authority of Parliament to use the Grants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask Parliament for that authority?

I propose to do so as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will say if Mr. Geoffrey Shaw, one of the Board of Education inspectors of music, had official authority for stating to the students of the Saltley Training College, Birmingham, at his visit of inspection in May last, that tonic sol-fa will disappear from the schools in a year or so and that the certificates of the Tonic Sol-fa College are of no value whatever with education committees now?

The inspector informs me that the statement attributed to him is an inaccurate representation of what he actually said in conversation with an individual student. The views of the Board on the subject are expressed in a letter to the Tonic Sol-fa College of 8th March, 1909, and I have no reason to suppose that they are not loyally followed by His Majesty's inspectors.

Is it a fact that these certificates are of no value whatever, and will he say what the inspector is doing?

This was a conversation with the students and apparently there is a difference of opinion as to exactly what the course of conversation was. I understand from the inspector that he is loyally carrying out the wishes of the Board.

Are these certificates of any value?

I would like notice of that question.

I gave notice of it in the last part of my question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that £14,065 are contributed by the school pence of children in ordinary public elementary schools to the managers of voluntary schools, who use this money for their own purposes and not for directly educational purposes; and whether these school managers are expected to maintain their premises in superior conditions as to buildings or equipment?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask him does he accept or condone the aspersion it contains on the character of the managers of voluntary schools?

It does not make any aspersion at all. I do not admit it. I am fully aware of the circumstances in which fees are paid to the managers of voluntary schools under Section 14 of the Act of 1902, which does not impose any special obligation on the managers for the improvement or equipment of the school premises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that these managers who have fees from the scholars keep their premises absolutely up to the mark?

I have done so, and I shall continue to do so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that it is an aspersion on the conduct of the managers to say that they use the money for their own purposes and not directly for educational purposes?

It all depends what you mean by "their own purposes." If their own purposes are the improvement of the schools, it would be open to argument whether it was for the improvement of education or for the improvement of premises; but I do not accept it as making any aspersion on the managers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not consider that an aspersion on the managers is intended in the form of the question?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that 138,693 children are paying school pence in 400 of the ordinary public elementary schools of England; whether the education in these schools is of a higher grade than in those ordinary schools in which school pence are not paid; and, if so, in what respect?

I am naturally aware of the figures, which are taken from a Return supplied at the request of the hon. Member. These fees are charged under a law which does not necessarily require the instruction to be of a higher character than in ordinary schools, and in a great majority of cases the fees are of old standing.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opportunity now afforded by these large new Grants that are being voted to sweep away these old fees under an old law?

I cannot deal with a matter like that in the form of question and answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to take up the whole matter later on in Debate?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the following particulars as to the staff in the Department of the Public Trustee: the name, age, date of appointment, previous employment and qualifications, terms of service, and salary, of each person, respectively?

I am not in possession of the particulars asked for, and I think that their compilation would involve an expenditure of time out of all proportion to the value of the result.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give any information of this character? Has he not authority for obtaining it?

The Public Trustee is given a lump sum for obtaining all the assistance he requires. I think it would be a very difficult matter to get the information for which the hon. Member asks, and I do not know that it would serve any useful purpose.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman supply some information other than contained in the meagre statement in connection with the Vote in the Estimates? Cannot we get any information of a reliable character to enable us to discuss the Vote if we get the opportunity?

Perhaps the hon. Member will take an opportunity of conferring with me, and I will see what can be done.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can estimate the cost to the Exchequer if the limit of two-thirds imposed by Section 101 of the Income Tax Act, 1842, in respect of rent or annual value to be allowed in calculating the liability to Income Tax (Schedule D) were extended so that the only amount disallowed was the value of the residential portion valued as a residence?

The residential portions of premises used partly for the purpose of a business or profession not being separately assessed, I regret I have no data on which to furnish the estimate desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury have received any representations from charities with respect to their present position under the Income Tax law, whereby they have to pay Income Tax on their property merely because they happen to occupy it instead of letting it to other persons; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Representations have been received on behalf of one or two institutions, but I fear that I cannot see my way to take any action in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the income derived by British subjects from investments in India and the Colonies, which is not remitted to the United Kingdom but left in India and the Colonies, is liable to taxation under Clause 5 of the Finance Bill?

The answer is in the affirmative in the case of a British subject ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the effect of the payment of the large sums in this way is to deprive the Colonies or India—as the case may be—of the money?

asked whether under Clause 5 of the Finance Bill a merchant resident in the United Kingdom and receiving income from investments in British Colonies and possessions is liable to Income Tax if he is, and exempt from Income Tax if he is not, a British subject?

Under Clause 5 of the Finance Bill a merchant resident in the United Kingdom who is not a British subject will not be liable to taxation of income arising from foreign investments, not remitted to this country, but he remains liable under the Act of 1842 to taxation on remittances received here.

Are these answers in accordance with the replies made on the same subject to my hon. Friend behind me a day or two ago?

That was a totally different subject.

asked how many charities there are at the present time which have to pay Income Tax on their property merely because they happen to occupy it instead of letting it to other persons?

I have, I regret, no means of obtaining the information asked for.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements will be made for repayment of the excess Income Tax in cases where stocks and shares have been bought cum dividend and where the purchaser has received the dividend through his broker, less 1s. 4d. in the £, and the Income Tax voucher is not available?

A circular letter has now been issued by the Board of Inland Revenue dealing with the question of adjustments in the case of tax already deducted at the rate of 1s. 4d. in the £, and, if difficulty is experienced in applying the instructions to any individual case, the Board will be glad to advise on being placed in possession of the necessary facts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury is only interested in the Income Tax on the profits of companies and not in the dividends paid to the shareholders; and if such companies may deduct Income Tax at the new rate of 1s. 3d. in the £ on dividends paid to the shareholders without any reference to the Treasury or to the Income Tax authorities?

In the case of British companies the dividends are paid out of profits and gains charged to Income Tax by direct assessment on the companies, and the question of the rate at which tax is deducted on payment of the dividends is therefore one for settlement between the companies and their shareholders.

In the present circumstances could not companies in paying their dividends deduct the tax at 1s. 3d., and so save all the trouble that might arise?

I should like to have that question put down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there will be any opportunity of discussing the present anomalous position of charities under the Income Tax law before the Committee stage of the Finance Bill is passed?

The question whether it will be possible to discuss any particular Amendment or new Clause on the Committee stage of the Finance Bill must necessarily depend upon the amount of time which hon. Members think necessary to devote to other subjects.

If there is no opportunity of discussing the matter on the Committee stage, will the right hon. Gentleman give us the chance of discussing it on Report?

As new Clauses come first, I should say that there would very probably be a very good chance of discussion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether officers of His Majesty's Customs and Excise who were required to give attendance on Monday the 22nd June, the day appointed to be observed as a public holiday for the official celebration of the King's birthday, were granted a day's compensation leave in addition to their hourly overtime rate for this attendance, and that the Customs watchers giving exactly the same attendance as these officers on that day were not granted the day as compensation leave; whether they only received 7d. per hour for the actual attendance given between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; whether this overtime attendance is in both cases paid for by merchants or bonded warehouse proprietors; and, if so, will instructions be forthwith given that watchers shall receive the day's compensation leave for attendance on Sundays and public holidays in the same manner as is granted to the officers?

The conditions of employment of watchers are not comparable with those of Customs and Excise Officers. Speaking generally, for the former attendance at night and on Sundays or public holidays is normal; for the latter, exceptional. This is the reason why they are treated on a different basis, and I cannot accept the suggestion that they ought to be treated alike.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if under the circumstances pay will be granted to these poorly paid watchers for the day of 22nd June, seeing that the officers of His Majesty's Customs and Excise have received their pay?

If the hon. Member will look at my answer he will see that point is dealt with. The necessity of working on public holidays and Sundays is taken into account in fixing the pay of these watchers.

Is it not a fact that these officers now have to work forty-eight hours a week irrespective of when they commence and when they finish, and that, therefore, they are debarred from earning that overtime which they were formerly in a position to obtain?

The fact that the watchers work irregular hours has been taken into consideration in fixing their pay.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Government propose to go on with the Mines Bill this Session?

Yes, Sir. As stated by the Prime Minister in reply to a question on Monday last, it is proposed to move the Second Heading as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say when the Government proposals for the reform of the Second Chamber will be laid before this House?

As I have repeatedly stated, the proposals of His Majesty's Government on this subject will be laid before the House before the end of the Session, but I cannot give a fixed date.

Will they be in the form of Resolutions?

I have already said that I think they will.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when he will be able to say when they will be taken?

I cannot name a fixed day.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still consider that it is a subject which does not brook delay?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the repeal of Section 8 of the Education Act, 1891, restores to full force Section 17 of the Education Act, 1870; whether it is the policy of the Government that every child attending a provided school should pay a fee unless the fee is remitted on the ground of poverty, as provided by Section 17 of the Act of 1870; and whether he will secure in any legislation dealing with this matter that henceforth free education shall be universal in all public elementary schools receiving State aid?

The repeal of Section 8 of the Elementary Education Act, 1891, has not the effect suggested, because Section 17 of the Act of 1870 must still be read in conjunction with Schedule III. (5) of the Act of 1902. The reply to the second part of the question is emphatically in the negative. In reply to the third part of the question, I am prepared to take such steps as may be necessary to secure that every child whose parent desires it shall receive free elementary education.

Is it not the case that many parents prefer to pay a fee, and that in every case where a fee-paid school is recognised there is ample provision for free education, accessible to all children?

Have parents the right to send their children without fees to any school they like?

I am aware that many parents apparently prefer to pay fees in connection with the education of their children, but at the same time I am not satisfied that everywhere that fees are paid there is a substantial number of free places for children of other parents, but in many cases these other parents have not asked for more free places than are being supplied at the present moment.

If there are not free places available in that school, is it not always a condition of recognising a fee paid school that there is free education provided in a school that is accessible?

It may be so, but then; there is great difference of opinion as to what is accessible. Sometimes the free places are at the other end of the town, and parents are not very eager to send their children from one end of the town to the other.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the decision of the First Commissioner of Works and the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to reduce the status of the Scottish Office of Works; whether, in view of the change thus contemplated, he will take such steps to postpone its actual execution until the matter has been debated in the House; and whether he can give an early day for that purpose?

I cannot agree that the status of the Office has been reduced. The matter could be suitably discussed in Committee of Supply.

Is the Prime Minister aware that we have already passed the Estimates for the Office of Works, that this change will be accomplished before next year, and that therefore we shall have no opportunity of discussing it? In view of the circumstances, can he arrange, for example, for an item in the Scottish Estimates to bring the matter up?

My hon. Friend is mistaken. We have not yet got the Vote.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will find time to pass the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act (1911) Amendment Bill?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire on Thursday last on this subject, to which I can add nothing at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of the resolution from the annual general meeting of the Scottish School Boards' Association, declaring that no lasting or satisfactory solution of Scottish educational problems would be found until Scotland was enabled, within her own borders, to legislate on educational affairs for her own people; and what reply he proposes to make?

As far as I can trace, no such resolution has reached me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a memorial signed by a large majority of Scottish Members to the same effect was ignored and treated with contempt by the Secretary for Scotland, and will he take that fact into consideration?

I did not know that was the case.

asked the Prime Minister, with reference to the appointment, by means of Schedule B of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, and without Civil Service certificate, of certain officers late of the National Telephone Company to the second division of the Civil Service, whether there is any precedent for appointment to the second division without Civil Service certificate; whether, as the second division is specially constituted, by Order in Council, of persons certified by the Civil Service Commission, it is competent for the head of a Department to make appointments thereto by means of Schedule B; whether these appointments contravene Clause 22 of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910; and whether he will consider the desirability of not appointing persons by means of Schedule B to a grade of the Civil Service which is included in Schedule A of the Order of 10th January, 1910?

The position of the officers in question was somewhat exceptional, their claim to pension after transfer having been regulated by the Telephone Transfer Act, 1911. The most convenient way of regularising their appointment to the Civil Service was to gazette their situations into Schedule B of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910. A notice was issued accordingly in general terms, not limited to the second division, but applying to all the officers so transferred so long as they held the posts in question. I do not think this procedure was inconsistent with the provisions of Clause 22 of the Order.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury if he is aware that Mr. W. Rigney, recently in charge of linesmen in the Letterkenny, Enniskillen, and Dundalk section (Ireland) telegraph service, is retired with a pension of £34 13s. 5d. per annum, and a retiring gratuity of £101 14s. 1d., while entitled to a pension of £50 per annum and a retiring gratuity of £140, based upon the fact that the secretary to the Postmaster-General wrote Mr. Rigney on the 10th June, 1892, to the effect that the date on which he joined the 2nd telegraph battalion of the Royal Engineers, namely, 3rd August, 1878, would count towards pension; and whether he will take steps to secure to Mr. Rigney the carrying out of the promise officially made on behalf of the Government department?

Mr. Rigney has been granted the maximum pension and additional allowance for which he is qualified under the Superannuation Acts, 1834 to 1909, and I have no power to increase the amounts. I am informed that no record can be traced in the Post Office of any letter of the kind referred to in the question.

Is it not a fact that such a letter was issued, and, if it could be presented to the hon. Gentleman, would he take it into consideration in fulfilment of the promise? If the hon. Gentleman says "Yes," I will let him have it this afternoon?

If my hon. Friend will give me a copy of the letter I will certainly make inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received resolutions from Vancouver, Winnipeg, New York, St. Louis, Albany, Saskatoon, and other places, congratulating the Government on their promise to draft a measure of Scottish Home Rule; and whether he is aware of the disappointment created by the failure of the Government to implement their pledge?

No, Sir; as far as can be traced no resolutions, in the sense implied in the question, have reached me from any of the places named, though I have received a resolution from the International Scots Home Rule League of Albany in favour of Scottish local and domestic business being transacted by a legislative body established in Scotland. Any pledges which His Majesty's Government have given on this subject will be duly fulfilled.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if the Government will mention the matter in the King's Speech next year, so that we may be sure that pledge is carried out?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government propose to draft the Bill and thus carry out the pledge which he says they are going to fulfil?

I cannot add anything to what I have already said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what he has already stated is an evasion and a prevarication?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government still adhere to their decision not to have an Autumn Session?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the exceptionally high temperature of the present summer and its enervating and exacerbating effect upon the constitution and temper of Members of this House, the slow progress of public business, and the mass of important legislation still awaiting careful consideration this Session, he will reconsider his decision with regard to an Autumn Session and permit the House to adjourn at the beginning of August and reassemble for a month at the beginning of November, when more temperate atmospheric conditions will prevail?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that two requests are being extensively signed by private Members, one that the sittings of the House should be suspended as from the, end of the present month to be resumed at a date in the early autumn, and the second that the Session should be brought to a close at the earliest moment compatible with the transaction of necessary Government business; whether he is aware of the pronounced feeling in the country with reference to Members of Parliament adjourning for a period of vacation extending to six months while continuing to draw their salaries at full rate; and whether he will make an early statement of the Government's intentions in the matter?

The whole matter is receiving careful consideration. The Government will certainly bear in mind the wishes expressed by hon. Members, and a definite statement on the subject will be made as soon as possible.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the very great inconvenience which will be caused to every one in this House, on both sides, not in regard to the holding of an Autumn Session—in regard to that we are perfectly ready to do our duty—but in respect of the great inconvenience caused by not being able to make arrangements? Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that the time is very short for making arrangements, and will he make a definite statement as soon as possible?

A definite statement will be made as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members on his side, including the one who put a question, have taken shootings in Scotland, and are anxious to go there?

May I ask if in the event of the Government deciding to go straight on there is any prospect of finishing the business before the middle of September?

That is one of the subjects which will receive consideration.

Is it a fact as reported that the Cabinet have already decided that there shall be an Autumn Session?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to appoint another Inspector-General of the Forces; if so, what is the reason of the delay; and what officer is at the present moment carrying out these duties?