asked the Secretary of State for War the total strength, according to the latest returns, of the Officers' Training Corps, in the senior division and junior division, respectively?

The strength on 1st April was:— — Contingents Officers. Cadets. Senior Division 23 196 6,170 Junior Division 162 509 20,758 185 705 26,928

asked what percentage and what total number of members of the Officers' Training Corps have taken commissions in the Special Reserve and Territorial Force in 1911, 1912, and 1913, respectively; and what percentage and what total number attended camp in each of those years?

The information is as follows:— — Special Reserve. Territorial Force. Commissions Taken. Percentage. Commissions Taken. Percentage. 1911 159 .67 * * 1912 213 .87 343 1.41 1913 285 1.06 449 1.66 * Figures for 1911 not available.

— Total Number Attending Camp. Percentage. 1911 12,634 53.26 1912 12,828 52.39 1913 13,209 48.93

asked which of the Officers' Training Corps are adjutants and instructors posted, and which have instructors only?

The information is as follows:— (a) Contingents which have adjutants and instructors:—Belfast University, Cambridge University, Durham University. Glasgow University, University of London, Oxford University, Birmingham University, Bristol University, Royal Agricultural College, Dublin University, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Royal Veterinary College of Ireland, Edinburgh University, St. Andrew's University, Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Leeds University, Manchester University, Nottingham University, Sheffield University. (b) Contingents which have instructors but no adjutants:—Aberdeen University, Aberystwyth University College, Bangor University College, Reading University College. Eton College contingent also has an adjutant whose pay is borne by the funds of the contingent.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is going to be done to augment the pensions of the teachers who retired from elementary schools before 1912; and whether he has now come to any arrangement with the Treasury for the provision of the necessary funds to deal with the case of these pensioners?

I have nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave on the 25th May last, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of boys and girls, respectively, under eight years of age who are at present in ordinary industrial schools in London and the provinces; the number of boys and girls under eight who are boarded out or in special schools, and how far the boys under eight who have been sent to schools for little boys have been boarded out on reaching the age of eight; and whether they are in any case being sent to ordinary industrial schools?

The number of boys under eight years of age in ordinary industrial schools in London and the provinces on the 30th of June was 164; the number of girls was 238. The number of boys under eight boarded out was 53 and the number of girls 53. The number of boys in special schools for little boys was 80; there are no special schools for little girls. Boys sent to special schools for little boys while under eight are sometimes boarded out on reaching that age. On the 30th of June there were 33 children living with foster parents who had been boarded out at the age of eight. Boys at such schools who have not been boarded out are usually transferred to ordinary schools on reaching the age of ten.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the average rent and rates paid by postmen at Margate is 9s. 7d. per week per man; and whether, in view of the cost of living, he will take steps to raise the status of the Margate office from Class III. to Class II., in order that a more satisfactory standard of living may be assured?

After making allowance for the high cost of living in Margate, Class II. scales will not be warranted, under the standard of classification at present in force, until the units of work reach 350. The present volume of work falls considerably short of that figure. The whole question of the classification of provincial offices for the pay of outdoor force is, however, under consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, although the adjustments due under the Report of the Select Committee on Postal Servants have been made to the indoor staff in Dublin, those of the postmen have not yet been made; and whether, in view of the fact that the adjustments were due on the 2nd February last, he will expedite payment of the moneys to the Dublin postmen?

The payments were made last week in the case of the Dublin town postmen. In the case of the sub-office postmen, they will be made in the course of this week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of light railways constructed under the Light Railways Act of 1896 for the conveyance of agricultural produce, as distinct from tramways; and what is the mileage of the railways and the capital invested?

It would appear from the latest figures at my disposal that there are fifty-four light railways, other than road lines, now working under the Light Railways Act, 1896, the total length of which is 527 miles. A few of these lines were originally authorised by special Act of Parliament, and were brought under the Act of 1896 by Light Railway Orders subsequently issued. I cannot say how far these lines are used for the conveyance of agricultural produce as distinct from other traffic, and as many of them belong to main-line railway companies it would not be possible to give complete information as regards the amount of capital invested in them.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the encouragement which is being given to the veterinary profession in England by means of Scholarships, he will provide similar scholarships to students attending Scottish universities?

It is presumed that the hon. Member is referring to the veterinary scholarships and veterinary research scholarships which are offered by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. These scholarships are not confined to English candidates, but are open, the former to honours graduates in science of any British university, and the latter to students who have secured the diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Nomination forms for these scholarships have been distributed to the Scottish universities and agricultural and veterinary colleges.

also asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the forms which are now being sent out by the county assessor of Bute to tenants in Arran under the Valuation of Lands (Scotland) Acts have his approval?

The powers and duties of the assessor in regard to obtaining information necessary to enable him to make up the valuation roll are regulated by Statute, and the Secertary for Scotland is not required to approve forms issued by the assessor for this purpose.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in the selection of persons to serve on committees of inquiry in Scotland, he will in future make a rule requiring from each a declaration that he has no pecuniary interest in the matter to be investigated in order to ensure that each member will act in the examination of witnesses as a judge on the merits of the case and not as a counsel in defence of a vested interest?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to his question on the 31st March.