asked the First Lord of the Admiralty at what date it was decided that it might be necessary to increase the Fourth Battle Squadron to a strength of eight battleships; when the personnel necessary for such increase was recruited; and, having in view the fact that the Fourth Battle Squadron consists now of only four battleships, upon what services is the surplus personnel employed?

The eventual increase of the numerical strength of the Fourth Battle Squadron to eight ships was adumbrated when the new organisation of the Home Fleets was first announced in the spring of 1912. The personnel of the Navy is not allocated to specific ships or squadrons. Entries are calculated on estimated future requirements as a whole, and actual numbers borne at any given moment are appropriated as may be from time to time thought best.

Why has the Fourth Battle Squadron been reduced from six to four, seeing that the right hon. Gentleman announced in 1912 that he proposed to increase it from six to eight?

It will eventually reach a total of eight?

When?

Exactly at that point in the development of the Navy when such an increase is rendered necessary—neither before nor after. With regard to the question why was it reduced from six to four, it was because we were proceeding with the development of the Sixth Battle Squadron more rapidly than even we had intended.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the admitted necessity that we should remain the independent guardians of our own important interests in the Mediterranean, he will state the material standard which is aimed at by the Board in determining our naval requirements in those waters?

In introducing the Estimates for this year, I stated the actual naval strength to which we proposed to work in the Mediterranean, and I indicated that this was based on a variety of considerations, some of which belong to the domain of State policy. I am not prepared, in answer to a question, to discuss those considerations.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to maintain the one-Power standard in the Mediterranean?

I am not prepared in answer to questions to enter into these difficult questions about standards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the report recently mode by Mrs. Tennant on the subject of soldiers' marriages off the strength; whether no marriage allowance of any sort, either in money or in kind, is made to any petty officers or men of His Majesty's Navy; and, if so, whether he will take steps to remove the discrimination against the naval service?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for East Leeds on the 12th February last year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of workmen at Gibraltar are to be discharged through shortage of work; that a request has been received that some of the work usually taken in hand from October to February shall be anticipated in order to obviate these discharges and at the same time render unnecessary the overtime that has to be worked during that period; and whether he proposes to accede to the request and prevent the distress that will ensue as a result of discharges?

A number of workmen have recently been discharged from Gibraltar Dockyard on account of a temporary shortage of work. Certain representations have been received on the subject, and arrangements had already been made which will not only obviate further discharges, but will enable most of the local men who have been discharged to be re-entered. It will be understood that the work has to be arranged with regard to the Fleet requirements, and it is not practicable entirely to avoid variations in the pressure and occasional overtime. I may mention that instructions have been issued that in the event of its becoming necessary at any future date to send home workmen who are serving under agreement at Gibraltar, notice has to be given to such workmen of at least one week for each year of service specified in the agreement, but that in all cases the notice has to be as long as possible, particularly in the case of men who are accompanied by their wives and families.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that some of these men have been sent home within the period specified in the contract, and whether he will arrange that they will receive some money in lieu of what they lose?

Ten of the men sent home have not completed their agreements. The usual course, unless a man is sent home for misconduct or at his own request, is to give half a week's pay for each month of the unexpired part of the agreement.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will state the particulars of the prizes he proposes to offer to inventors of improved processes for the distillation of oil from coal; (2) whether he will arrange a system of research scholarships tenable at the mining school of the South Wales University College and other mining schools for purposes of research in the distillation and analytic classification of the various kinds of coal to be found in the United Kingdom; (3) whether he will arrange for a scientific inquiry as to the oil-yielding properties of the various classes of coal within the United Kingdom; and (4) whether he will build and maintain a suitable experimental plant for the distillation of oil from coal, or subscribe to the shares of a syndicate formed for that purpose, on similar lines to the investment in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?

As I have explained to my hon. Friend in reply to other questions, there are a number of considerations involved besides the question of research, and many other important interests are affected in addition to those of the Admiralty. The research side and the best methods of stimulating research will receive the fullest consideration. An Admiralty Departmental Committee has already been appointed to take up the consideration of various questions relating to oil supply. Certain definite proposals for inquiry in relation to the possibility of oil extraction from coal will be referred to that Committee for early consideration, and in the meantime I am unable to state in detail what steps will ultimately be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let us have the terms of reference to the Committee later on?

I will consider that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will publish Papers containing information in the possession of the Admiralty as to the use of oil fuel by foreign navies, and as to the processes being worked in foreign countries for the distillation of oil from coal.

A good deal of information on the subject of the use of oil fuel by foreign navies has appeared in the Press, and I fear that I cannot usefully or properly supplement it. The Admiralty are not aware that any processes are being worked commercially in foreign countries for the distillation of oil from coal. No doubt some processes are being worked experimentally, and as far as I know they are the same or much the same as those in England which the Admiralty have under observation.

Has the Admiralty made any inquiries at all?

We have made every inquiry. We are accumulating all the information we possibly can.

If so, why not publish some report so that Members may get the information.

It is not always advisable or convenient to publish reports received as to what foreign countries are doing. Experience shows that very frequently these reports, when published, are animadverted upon in the countries to which they refer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of British coal is taken by foreign navies?

Not off-hand.

Is there any evidence to show that oil can be distilled from coal at a price at which it can compete with oil otherwise produced?

We have to consider that a new habit of industry must be created, and that there should be a market in this country for the by-products.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will make inquiries and issue a Report as to the number of men now involved in supplying Admiralty coal who will be displaced should the whole of the Fleet be eventually equipped for burning oil instead of coal; and whether he will agree to the setting up of a Committee to inquire and report as to the economic effect upon coal prices, wages, and labour conditions of such a displacement?

As pointed out in paragraph 9, page 5, of Parliamentary Paper Cd. 7419, coal must continue to be the principal combustible in His Majesty's Navy for some time to come. If therefore the contingency referred to in the first part of the question ever arises it can only be at some distant date. The average demand of the Admiralty upon the best classes of Welsh steam coal is less than one-tenth of the total output, and even supposing this small proportion were to suffer any diminution it is obviously impossible to estimate now what will be the circumstances of the coal supply, prices, wages, labour and other conditions at some unknown distant date. An enquiry held now on such an hypothetical basis could not be of any practical utility, and it is not proposed to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are 16,000 men involved?

I am not aware of any such number being involved. If the Admiralty demand for the small proportion of the coal were to undergo gradual diminution, there are no grounds for assuming that the excellent coal of South Wales would not find a market.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give any information as to the leave which will be granted to Portsmouth men of the Fleet which is assembling at Portsmouth; and what per- centage of men will be allowed to visit their homes, and for what period?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in connection with the forthcoming inspection of the Fleet at Spithead, he will provide facilities for all the men whose homes are in Portsmouth having leave; and whether he will take steps to have sufficient craft provided for the purpose?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the same subject on the 23rd June last year. These leave facilities are a matter of local arrangement, and I have no doubt that they will be given as freely as circumstances permit; but I would remark that on this occasion the Fleet will only be assembled for a day or two before it leaves for exercises.

Is a preference to be given to the Portsmouth men in their own homes?

That is so—to the Portsmouth ships in the First and Second Fleets, but not to the ships in the Third Fleet, which are only called out for a short period in the manœuvres.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as under the 1909 agreement with New Zealand the British Government agreed that the New Zealand "Dreadnought" should be the flagship of a fleet unit in far Eastern waters, and that a small force of cruisers and auxiliary craft would be stationed in New Zealand waters, he can say why the Government have not carried out either of their undertakings; is he aware that both Australia and New Zealand refuse to depend on the Japanese Navy for their defence; and what he proposes to do to keep faith with these two great Dominions?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as under the naval agreement with Australia of 1909, Australia was to establish a fleet unit consisting of one "Dreadnought" cruiser, three protected cruisers, six destroyers, and three submarines, and that this fleet unit was to co-operate with a fleet unit of the Royal Navy to be stationed in Chinese and East Indian waters with the New Zealand "Dreadnought" as flagship, he can say why the British Admiralty has failed to carry out their part of the agreement, and consequently left the Australian Navy completely isolated from any association with the British Fleet; and is he aware that the Australians are dissatisfied with the present condition of affairs?

I made a very full statement on this subject in introducing the Estimates, and I have since stated in reply to questions that it is not possible to deal with issues of such importance at Question time.

Is it not a fact that unless the Government does fulfil all its agreements with Australia and New Zealand in matters of naval defence the inhabitants will be driven to seek protection from another white race?

I cannot admit that we have failed to keep our agreements, nor can I admit that if there were any difference of opinion between us and the Australian Commonwealth on the subject of naval defence, that would in any way alter their view of their relations with this country.

Does the right hen. Gentleman dispute the fact that one of the Australian senators did complain that the British Government broke their agreement?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the policy of arming merchant vessels for possible use in warfare has been considered in its international legal aspects by the Law Officers of the Crown; whether a reasoned legal opinion on the various possibilities that might arise on the use of such armed merchantmen has been given; if so, when; and whether such opinion can now be made public?

The reply to the first part of the question is "yes." As regards the second part of the question, I am advised that it would not be expedient to say more than I have already said on this subject.

asked how many merchantmen have now been equipped with guns for use in war; at what cost this has been achieved; what payments, if any, are annually made to the firms owning these armed merchantmen; and whether any additional merchantmen are to be similarly armed?

Forty vessels engaged in carrying corn and meat have been armed for defensive purposes only. I am unable to give the information asked for in the second part of the question; the comparatively small cost of such structural alterations as have been necessary has been defrayed by the various shipowners. The reply to the third part of the question is that no payments are made by the Admiralty to the firms concerned; and to the fourth part of the question, yes.

Is it the policy of the Admiralty to arm only those ships that are carrying food supplies, and no other kind of merchant vessels?

Yes. The only merchant ships we arm are ships engaged in carrying vital food supplies to this country, and they are only armed for self-protective purposes.

Is it intended to go beyond that policy?

No. Any other merchantmen that may be taken up in time of war will be taken over definitely by the Admiralty.

asked whether, in granting a site to the Dunfermline School Board for the erection of a school in the Rosyth area, the Admiralty have attached conditions to the Grant which are objected to by the board; whether those conditions include the fixing of a rent higher than the letting value of similar land in the neighbourhood, and a proposal for a revaluation in five years' time with a view to ascertaining the fair market value; and whether, in view of the fact that the school is to be erected for the exclusive accommodation and benefit of children brought to the district by the establishment of the Admiralty works now in process of construction, and ultimately for the children of permanent employés of the Admiralty, the Board of Admiralty will alter their decision, and either grant the site in question to the school board rent free or for a purely nominal sum?

A suitable site within the area of the land owned by the Admiralty has been marked off for a school. The Dunfermline School Board are prepared to erect temporary premises upon this site, proceeding thereafter with the erection of a permanent school. Questions have arisen with regard to the amount of feu to be charged, both during the occupation of the site by the temporary premises and hereafter in perpetuity. Although the matter is not solely in the hands of the Board of Admiralty, I do not contemplate any difficulty in arriving at terms in regard to the feu for the period of time during which the temporary buildings are in occupation. As regards the permanent feu, we have suggested to the Dunfermline School Board that the matter should be dealt with upon the commencement of the erection of the permanent school on the basis of a feu which should represent the fair market rental, the matter to be decided in the absence of mutual agreement by a joint valuation or by arbitration.

Is it not possible for the Admiralty to feu the land in perpetuity at once to the Dunfermline School Board for the erection of the school, which is a pressing necessity?

I do not think that there is any difficulty about a temporary school. We are quite prepared to go into the question of the valuation as soon as possible, but I can give no assurance on the point.

Does the Admiralty desire by this valuation to get what it can out of the Dunfermline School Board, and does my right hon. Friend think it right for the Admiralty to haggle over a few pounds for the accommodation of the children when they are spending £1,000,000 there?

The matter is not so simple as my hon. Friend thinks. If the local authority receive a contribution in lieu of rates in respect of this land, it seems to me that the land is on the same footing as the land of a private owner, whatever the purpose for which it is used.

The hon. Member cannot turn his question into an argument. The question is intended to elicit information, and not for the purpose of having an argument.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of the Foreign Office has been called to a photograph taken in Koritza, in April of this year, showing a group of insurgent prisoners wearing Greek uniforms; whether the attention of the Greek Government has been called to the use being made of Greek troops in Southern Albania; and whether, in view of the responsibility assumed by the Powers for the creation of an autonomous Albania, any collective protest is now being made on their behalf against this action of Greece?

I have heard of the existence of photographs which would appear to be sufficiently explained by the presence of Greek deserters among the Epirote forces. The Greek Government have withdrawn their troops, and have disclaimed any share in, or responsibility for, recent events in Epirus.

asked whether the French Government are contemplating the appointment of a Minister of North Africa for grouping up and rearranging the administration of Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco; and, if so, whether this will or is intended to subvert and substitute the provisions of the Treaty of Algeciras so far as Morocco is concerned?

I have no information respecting the appointment referred to, but the provisions of the Algeciras Act are, in any case, modified by the establishment of the French and Spanish Proctectorates in Morocco.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the report presented to the French Chamber on this subject?

I have not seen it. I will look into that.

asked if there is any agreement between the French and Spanish Governments for handing over to the former any part of the territory within the Spanish sphere of influence as payment for any military assistance the French Government may render Spain in her attempt to conquer the tribes in the Riff?

No such agreement has been brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the recent operations of French troops within the Spanish sphere of influence in Morocco, particularly in the district north of Taza, in the Kabila of Egzniai, in the direction of the Bay of Alheusemas; whether the French general has demanded tribute from the tribe within the Spanish sphere; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to maintain the Treaty of Algeciras?

I have reecived no such information.

Has the hon. Gentleman any reason to impute the statement that the French are now operating in the district referred to?

We have good sources of information, and we have not got the information contained in the question, and therefore cannot confirm it.

asked whether there is any suggestion of the Spanish Government ceding either Ceuta or Alheucemas to a foreign Power; and, if so, what action His Majesty's Government propose to take to protect British interests in the Mediterranean?

I have heard of no such suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any Returns from South Australia giving the capital assessment of unimproved land values and the capital assessment of land with improvements later than the 1885 details given on page 126 of Cd. 4750 of 1909; if so, will he state for the latest year of which he has the information the total capital land value including improvements, the total capital land value without improvements, the population for that year, and the average amount of unimproved land value per head of the population for that year; and will he state whether the values so given include the land which is the property of the Government or other public authorities?

No, Sir; I regret that I am not in possession of full information, but some information on the subject is contained in South Australian Parliamentary Papers, which will be placed in the Library of the House.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to write to Australia to get the exact details contained in the latest returns?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Canadian Government has refused to defray the expenses of deporting the Hindus who arrived at Vancouver, on the "Komagata Maru"; and whether, with a view of increasing good feeling between different races in the Empire, he will approach the Canadian Government in this matter?

I have no official information to this effect, and do not propose to take the action suggested.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that, on Wednesday, 8th July last, Mr. Lawrence J. Kettle, an electrical engineer in the employ of the corporation of Dublin, when driving home in his motor car from the electric power station in the city of Dublin, was stopped by some Coastguards, and that the Coastguards proceeded to search Mr. Kettle's car for guns or ammunition; and will he say whether this was done under the authority of the Admiralty

I understand that some vehicles—of which Mr. Kettle's motor car was one—coming from the end of Pigeon House Wall were searched by the Coastguard in consequence of a report that some arms had been landed at that place. In so doing the Coastguard were acting in accordance with the duty laid upon them by the Customs laws, and no authorisation from the Admiralty was needed.

Am I to understand that it is only in the Southern provinces of Ireland that the law in reference to the importation of arms is to be enforced, and that guns can be imported into Larne and other ports of Ulster without let or hindrance by coastguards or any other guards?

I can only say that it will always be the duty of, and it ought to be a point of honour with, every person serving under the Crown in any official capacity, to do his utmost to maintain the law of the land impartially in all directions.

Does that sentiment apply to Privy Councillors also?

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he has received from any of the Governments of the Over-sea. Dominions any resolutions or protests against the extension of self-government to Ireland on the ground that it would be disastrous to the Empire?

I have received no resolution or protest against the extension of self-government to Ireland from the Governments of any of the Overseas Dominions.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies, if he will state on what principle it has been arranged that £21,403 18s. 3d. is charged for the Rhodesian Mines Department as administrative expenditure for Southern Rhodesia, whereas at the same time no part of the Southern Rhodesia mining revenue has been credited as administrative revenue for the year ending 31st March, 1913?

It is wrong to suppose that no part of Southern Rhodesia mining revenue is credited as administrative revenue. The gross administrative mining revenue was £33,069 4s. 3d., and the net was £29,533 8s. 10d. This is included under the heading "Stamps and Licences."

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether, in view of the allegations publicly made at meetings of the Planters' Associations in British Malaya, with regard to the spread of drinking habits among the immigrant population, especially Tamil estate labourers, further steps will be taken to remedy the admitted evils arising from the drink traffic in the States and Colony; whether it is the intention of the Government of the Federated Malay States to establish a system of licensing boards upon the lines recently adopted in Bengal; whether it is proposed to substitute a system of fixed licence fees for the auction system and to ensure a stricter supervision and inspection of places licensed for the sale of drink; and whether it is intended to include toddy and beer in the restrictions now applicable to the sale of spirituous liquors to Tamil coolies?

The High Commissioner for the Malay States informed me on the 30th of April last that the reports which had been called for from the residents on the working of the 1912 Excise Enactment had been received; that they showed that the system established by the Enactment was certainly better than that previously followed; and that the question of introducing further improvements was under consideration. A further dispatch is promised after receipt of a report on the subject from the Acting Comtroller of Labour, who has visited India lately and studied the system adopted there.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the Provincial Courts in Nigeria presided over by executive officers would have jurisdiction over civil proceedings between the Government and natives?

No, Sir. Suits by or against the Government will remain within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the reasons why in the Amendments to the Budget he proposes to reduce the proposed new Grants to Ireland during the present financial year from £246,500 to £74,500, seeing that the additional taxation to be imposed for the same period is only to be reduced from £259,000 to £178,000, thus penalising Ireland to the extent of £91,000 for the year, merely because valuation proposals which never applied to Ireland are to be dropped from the Finance Bill; and whether, seeing that, apart from Insurance and Tuberculosis Grants, he still proposes to give £515,000 in local Grants to England and £71,000 to Scotland during the present year, he still proposes to give nothing to Ireland, while increasing Ireland's taxation by £178,000, or a net sum of £104,500, after giving credit for the Irish Insurance and Tuberculosis Grants?

I may point out to the hon. Member that under the amended proposals, for 1914–15 England and Wales will pay in additional taxation £5,330,000, and will receive in new Grants £1,553,000, while Scotland will pay £592,000 and receive £208,500. The excess of taxation over Grants is therefore in the case of England £3,777,000, and of Scotland £383,500, as compared with the Irish figure of £103,500. I would, moreover, remind the hon. Member that in 1915–16 it is estimated that Ireland will contribute in additional taxation £415,000, and will receive £762,000.

During my speech on the Second Reading the right hon. Gentleman on three occasions asked me if I would drop Ireland out of the Bill. Does that offer still remain?

I am not aware that an option was ever proposed, but if the Irish Members make that proposal certainly it is a matter for consideration.

You ask me to make the offer; I make it now.

The Irish Members certainly will not.

"Molly Maguires"—Irish Members!

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there will be any time limit within which persons must claim the repayment of the excess Income Tax; and whether the time limit laid down by Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1860, will apply as in all ordinary claims for repayment?

I am advised that the answers to both parts of the question are in the negative.

Will there be any time limit in the case of persons resident abroad and having income from foreign and Colonial Government securities, where the dividends are paid over here?

I should not like to say off-hand. It appears to me that the time is not provided in this particular Clause

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total loss to the revenue if the incomes of husband and wife below £700 were treated as separate for the purpose of Income Tax?

The loss is estimated at about £500,000, not taking into account the loss which would arise from the transfer of income from husbands to wives for the purpose of avoiding taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he can see his way to simplify the forms under which owners of land can claim relief from Income Tax, Schedule A, under Section 69 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and under Clause 8 of the Finance Bill of this year?

I regret that it is not possible to simplify the forms in question, the information asked for being the minimum necessary for computing the amount of the repayment.

If I can show any official that part of the form is superfluous, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider it?

Certainly. I shall be very glad to go into the matter with the hon. Gentleman and the official. I am very anxious that this should work properly. It is a very admirable proposal as regards landowners who do spend money on this property.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the cost of the transfer of land and the consequent hindrance to its easy exchange and transfer, he will consider the desirability of reducing the Stamp Duty payable on such conveyances?

The rate of Stamp Duty on conveyances for the transfer of land is a low one, and I do not see my way to propose any reduction in it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state whether any further allowance can be made to the Wigtownshire insurance committee, whose estimated income is £200 and whose estimated expenditure is £466; and, if so, out of what funds it will be paid and when the payment will be made?

I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Kincardineshire on the 9th instant.

Since that date, have any fresh funds been provided?

This is a money Grant, and all the money is gone; it has already been disposed of.

If there is not money available, how is the committee of management to do its work?

The Parliamentary Grant, to which I have referred, is in aid of administrative expenses for this year.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether there is any limit to the percentage of the sanatorium benefit account for which insurance committees may take credit and expend on purposes of general administration expenses of the committees?

No part of the sanatorium benefit funds of an insurance committee may be applied to defray the cost of any administration expenses other than those actually incurred, either directly or indirectly, in the administration of sanatorium benefit. The amount so applied necessarily varies in different areas, but is in all cases subject to review by the Treasury auditors.

Is it possible to keep the administration expenses of sanatorium and other benefits separate?

I do not think it is practicable to do so.

asked whether any arrangements have yet been made with the Government of any British Possession or of any foreign country, in accordance with Section 32 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, by which an insured person who emigrates may transfer to a society or institution similar to an approved society or the Post Office Fund, but which has no head office or branch in the United Kingdom?

No arrangements of the kind referred to have been made, nor has any application with a view to such arrangements been received by the Commissioners. The Commissioners have, however, informed societies with branches of the conditions on which arrangements can be made under Section 32 (1) with regard to insured persons who, on emigration, join branches of approved societies in the Colonies or abroad.

Does that mean that although the Act has been two years in operation, unless the applicant happens to belong to a society which has a branch in the new country he loses all his contributions?

The Commissioners are quite prepared to make arrangements with the Colonies or foreign countries. If they make overtures we are prepared to do it.

Nothing has been done in the meantime?

Nothing can be done unless the Colony or the foreign country makes overtures to us. We are ready to do it immediately they are.

Was it not promised that it should be done?

This is not the time to argue the question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture (1) whether, since local authorities who are carrying out building schemes in rural districts to replace condemned cottages are not to be assisted under the Government Housing Bill, the building proposed under the Bill will be limited to the area of those authorities who have not put forward any such schemes, how the Government propose to avoid thus subsidising the less active authorities and penalising the-more active; and (2) on what principle it is proposed to select the rural areas in which building is to be carried out under the proposed Housing Bill; and whether the Government will give a preference to areas in which the local authority has made genuine efforts to use its powers under the Housing and Town Planning Act?

The number of local authorities carrying out building schemes in agricultural districts is extremely small. In selecting the agricultural districts in which cottages are to be built under the provisions of the Housing Bill, the Board will have regard to the urgency of the demand and to the practicability of obtaining land at a reasonable price. I am prepared to consider any representations which may be made to me on behalf of local authorities, but the Board cannot bind itself to refrain from exercising its powers in any particular district merely on the ground that the local authority has or has not taken action under the Housing and Town Planning Act.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how "agricultural districts" are to be denned for this purpose?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Bill.

Will the Government be prepared to commence building in those districts where the landowners are prepared to give land to the Government?

Yes, Sir. One of the reasons for the Bill is that we had no legal powers—so we were advised—to take over land offered us on those conditions. I hope that we shall now be able to take advantage of them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that "agricultural districts" are not denned in the Bill?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state on what principle the societies for building cottages will be selected under the Government Housing Bill; and when he will be able to announce to the House the names of such societies?

The Board will be prepared to consider an application made by or on behalf of any society which conforms with the definition in Clause 4 of the Bill. Several societies of the kind, which the Government have in view, have already been successfully promoted by the Rural Housing Organisation Society, and with the increased financial assistance which will be possible under the provisions of the Bill, I hope that many more will soon come into being. After the Bill has been passed into law I shall be prepared to announce to the House from time to time the names of any societies which have been approved.

Will the local authorities have the same increased facilities as are proposed to be given to these building societies?

The experience in England is that the local authorities have done very little in the agricultural districts, but, having embarked on this scheme, proposals brought forward for agricultural or other districts will be considered on their merits.

Will you give them the same facilities as is proposed to be given to these building societies?

Every case will be considered on its merits.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to carry their Housing Bill into law this Session if it is treated as a non-contentious measure?

Yes, Sir, the Government hope to do so.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, as is likely to be the case, this Bill proves to be contentious, seeing that it gives arbitrary power of selection and discrimination involving the possibility of corruption, the Government will still proceed with it?

Am I to understand that the Government will not be prepared to take time to carry this Bill if it proves to be contentious?

If it proves to be highly contentious, certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware of the resentment felt by the members of the Sea Fisheries Committees at the recommendation of the Departmental Committee that these bodies as now constituted should be abolished; and if, inconsideration of the services rendered by these bodies in solving problems connected with inshore fisheries, he will oppose any alteration of the status of these Committees?

Before any action is taken upon the unanimous recommendation of the Departmental Committee the evidence on which it is based will be carefully considered by the Board in the light of the representations which have been received from Sea Fisheries Committees, but I am not prepared at present to express a definite opinion on the subject.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury if the practice of compelling surveyors of Customs and Excise to retire at sixty-one years of age, though they have not completed forty years' service, is still being followed, and if some surveyors, who have been compulsorily retired at sixty-one, have been re-engaged for temporary duty owing to pressure of work; and whether, in view of the hardship of compulsory retirement before the full pension can be earned, the Treasury will carry out the suggestion of the Hob-house Committee on Amalgamation and permit surveyors to complete forty years' service?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; and to the second part in the negative. As regards the third part, I cannot find that the Hobhouse Committee made any such suggestion, and the Treasury see no reason to modify the existing rule, which has been in force since 1908.

asked the Prime Minister if it is proposed to frame Regulations for reorganising the system of supply to Army canteens, with the object of preventing a repetition of the scandals which have recently come to light in this matter?

A Committee has been appointed, and is now considering the whole subject. Its composition and terms of reference will be stated in answer to an unstarred question to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many efficient aeroplanes commenced the recent month's encampment of the Royal Flying Corps at Netheravon; how many new ones were delivered during the month; and how many efficient aeroplanes ready for immediate war were left at the end of the month?

The answers to the various parts of the questions are respectively 43, 6 and 44. This refers to machines actually at Netheravon in flying condition and ready for war within two hours.

May I ask whether he proposes to publish any Report of those very important trials that take place?

I could not say.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the water supply in the villages in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp is inadequate to the needs of the soldiers and other Government employés, and at times subject to fouling from sewage and other impurities; and what steps, if any, do the Government propose to take to improve it?

My attention has not been called to the matter otherwise than by the hon. Member's question, and I should therefore be glad if he would furnish me with specific information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to make some inquiry into the unfortunate domestic conditions of Government employés in this district?

Yes, I will make inquiry.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received from the Shipton Rural District Council a communication where attention was called at the last meeting to the disgraceful condition of affairs there?

A communication of the kind the hon. Member refers to was received at the War Office. I do not think there was any mention of a defective water supply.

asked whether the Government intend to build cottages this year for the accommodation of their employés in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp; and (2) whether, in view of the shortage of accommodation for Government employés in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp, the overcrowding of most of the local cottages occupied by married soldiers and their families, and the insanitary condition of some of these cottages, the Government will apply part of the £2,000,000 available for such purpose under the Government Housing Bill towards the provision of new cottages in this district?

Accommodation already exists at Bulford suitable for 246 married soldiers and subordinates. The Army Council propose building, in addition, eighty-six married quarters, of which the first twenty are already practically complete under the programme of last year. The second twenty are to be erected during this financial year, and the remainder as funds become available. If these measures do not prove sufficient, it would be a matter for consideration whether any further houses should be built, and, according to the particular circumstances of the demand, whether they should be built by the War Department or under the provisions of the Housing Bill.

When this accommodation is provided, will the right hon. Gentleman see that no more than two families live in one house, and not six or even eight as at present?

Of course, I think it would be very advisable that not more than two families should live in one house.

In estimating the requirements, has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the married soldiers married off the strength?

That is a part of the same inquiry. The whole condition of things is receiving constant attention.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say he had made an estimate of the amount of accommodation required, and does his estimate include accommodation for soldiers married off the strength?

What I said was that Accommodation already exists at Bulford suitable for 246 married soldiers and subordinates. The Army Council propose building in addition 86 married quarters, of which the first twenty are already practically complete under the programme of last year. … The second twenty are to be erected during this financial year, and the remainder as funds become available.

Read on.

My reply continued:— If those measures do not prove sufficient it would be a matter for consideration. Of course that would be a matter for consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that he can make no accurate estimate at all of what the requirements are in the matter of housing in the neighbourhood of Bulford Camp; and is not the state of affairs which exists to-day a proof that what he proposes is altogether inadequate?

I have already stated that the Government have the matter under consideration. We realise that it is a serious matter and are inquiring into it.

asked the Secretary of State for War with reference to paragraphs 109 and 515 of the Territorial Force Regulations, on which the official date of publication is the 12th June, 1912, will he state in what form and how those regulations were published on the 20th March, 1911?

The rule about service on the unattached list not counting after 31st March, 1911, towards the period required for the Territorial Decoration was published in a Special Army Order on 20th March, 1911. I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. The rule was subsequently embodied in the 1912 edition of the Territorial Force Regulations (paragraph 515) in the same way as other alterations and amendments that had appeared in Army Orders since the previous edition of the Territorial Force Regulations, which was issued in 1910.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture (1) whether the Government instructed any official to attend a sale of land by auction at Romford on Wednesday, 8th July and to purchase a meadow there, if so, at what price and for what purposes was the land bought; and (2) whether the sanction of the Treasury was given to the purchase of land at Romford at an auction sale held there on the 8th instant; and for what Department and for what purpose the purchase was sanctioned?

The sanction of the Treasury was given to the purchase of the land referred to and the sale was attended by the Crown Surveyor on the instructions of my colleague Mr. Leveson Gower. The land was bought for the improvement of the adjoining Crown Estate (which is under Mr. Leveson Gower's charge) at the price of £750.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say for what purpose it was bought, and whether, under the lease, cottages may be built upon it?

I cannot answer the latter part of the question without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it was bought at all?

I am informed by my colleague that it was bought for the improvement of the adjoining Crown Estates, but I do not know the details.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that this is—

The right hon. Gentleman has already said that he cannot answer as to details without notice.

asked the Prime Minister, if a memorial has been received from a number of Members of Parliament calling attention to the proposal to raise additional revenue for purposes which have not been previously sanctioned by this House; and if he is in a position to allay the apprehension caused by such a contemplated departure from the usual practice?

The whole matter has been thoroughly discussed in the House, and I can add nothing to what was then said.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that many Clauses of the Revenue Bill as printed are designed to carry into effect definite promises made by the Government to remove injustices in existing taxation, he can see his way to give the House an opportunity to enact these Clauses quite apart from the separate question of a new valuation for rating purposes; and whether, in view of the fact that the suggested new valuation is obviously intended to form the machinery for a reform of our rating system, be will give the House an opportunity to pronounce upon its merits as a separate question?

As regards the first part of the question, if the House will agree to allow those adjustments, which were, I understand, discussed last year, to pass without opposition, we might proceed with them before the prorogation. It is intended that the proposals as to valuation shall be included in the same Bill as the new Grants which are to be conditional on the adoption of the valuation proposals.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any kind of guarantee that the doctrinaires of the Glasgow school will allow this?

No, Sir, none whatever.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will ascertain through the usual channels whether these Clauses can be regarded as non-contentious, which would enable him to proceed in the manner indicated?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that women are now undergoing military training in Ulster for the defence of themselves and their children; and whether he could therefore now agree with the Leader of the Opposition to make compulsory military training for men, for Home defence only, a non-party question, allowing Parliamentary candidates to advocate it or not, unhampered by party political orders?

I fear I do not see my way clear to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he now thinks that those who advocate compulsory military training commit an infamous crime against mankind, as was stated by the Chief Government Whip; will he go as far as that?

That enters into the domain of opinion and not of fact.

asked the Prime Minister if Mr. Masterman is still a Member of the Cabinet; and, if so, does he retain any responsibility for the administration of the National Insurance Act?