asked the Prime Minister if he has received representations from private traders asking that one or more of their class be appointed to serve on the War Office Committee in connection with Army canteens; and, if so, is he prepared to accede to their request?

I would refer the Noble Earl to the answer given by the Prime Minister on this subject yesterday.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the average age, height, chest measurement, and weight of the cadets who have just been commissioned from the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst?

The following table shows the average age, weight and measurement of the gentlemen cadets of the Royal Military Academy and Royal Military College who, provided they pass the examinations just concluded, will shortly be appointed to commissions:—

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that large parties of lunatics from the Cornwall County Asylum are sent twice a week during the summer for picnics to Trebetherick, a growing seaside resort 15 miles from the asylum, and that the Lunacy Commissioners have declined to hold a local inquiry or to interfere, though for the past three years the ratepayers of Trebetherick have made frequent and serious complaints, offering to prove specific acts of disorderly conduct, trespass, molestation of women and children, obscenity, and the like; whether he is aware that these picnics were some years ago moved from the beach adjoining the building estate of a member of the asylum visiting committee at the request of a tenant on that estate; that the reports presented to the Lunacy Commissioners by the asylum authorities and their published statements with reference to the above complaints are incomplete and misleading; and whether, in view of these facts, he will take steps to compel the asylum authorities to hold the picnics for these lunatics in future at one of the less frequented places which have been suggested to them?

I am informed by the Board of Control that they are aware of the practice referred to in the question, and though no formal local inquiry has been held by them they have been fully informed of the circumstances in which these parties have been taken to the seaside and have investigated the complaints made by residents and others. They have no reason to think that the reports made to them by the asylum authorities have been misleading, and they have come to the conclusion that some of the matters on which complaint has been made have been considerably exaggerated. Recently no complaints at all have reached them. The asylum authorities are alive to the necessity of taking adequate precautions against all risks.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now able to state the number of young male persons committed to prison for non-payment of fines during the year ending 31st March, 1914, in the Metropolitan area and in the provinces; and how many of these paid their fines after reception into prison?

There were 651 male prisoners aged sixteen to twenty-one received into Metropolitan prisons during the year ended 31st March, 1914, who were committed in default of payment of a fine. Of this number 210, or 32 per cent., paid their fine after reception into prison. One thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight such prisoners were received into provincial prisons during the same period. The number of these who paid the fine after reception was 370, or 19.5 per cent.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what action has been taken or is about to be taken by the London County Council, under the Metropolitan Ambulances Act, 1909, with a view to provide an adequate ambulance service for accidents and sudden illness occurring in streets and public places in London?

I am informed that the London County Council, at their meeting on the 10th March last, adopted a tentative scheme for an ambulance service under the provisions of the Metropolitan Ambulances Act, 1909, and the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1913, and I understand that some ambulances have been ordered.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the delay previously experienced in supplying telephones in Nottingham in cases of removal of business is still occurring, or whether those who are; now removing in that city may expect connection to be made within reasonable, and within what, time?

Some delay still occurs in carrying out a few removal orders in Nottingham owing to the shortage of underground plant. A general extension of the underground system is, however, in hand, and is being completed as rapidly as possible. In the meantime temporary arrangements are being made whenever possible in cases of removal.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to communicate to the House the result of the representations made to the Cuban Government by His Majesty's Minister at Havana with a view of obtaining a readjustment of the tonnage tax imposed upon merchandise entering Cuban ports from Europe; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction has for the past three years been felt by the mercantile and shipping community engaged in the West Indian trade at the prolonged negotiations which have taken place in this matter; and whether he has any objection to lay upon the Table of the House Papers upon the subject sufficiently illuminating to be of assistance to persons interested in fostering commercial enterprise between Cuba and the British Dominions?

His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Havana was instructed last month to renew the protest of His Majesty's Government against the preferential nature of the tonnage dues under the ports company law. I understand that the representatives of France, Germany, and Norway made similar protests. I cannot undertake to lay any Papers on the subject at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received Vice-Consul Bell's report respecting the arrest of the Rev. J. S. Bowskill and several of his native helpers; if so, when will particulars be available; and what steps he has taken or is taking in the matter?

Mr. Vice-Consul Bell's report is still under consideration and I cannot make any statement on the subejct at present. I will inform my hon. Friend-as soon as a decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the percentage of the phthisis cases treated in Scotland and in Lanarkshire since phthisis became a notifiable disease in which the patient was engaged in the mining industry?

The form of notification hitherto prescribed by the Regulations of the Local Government Board for Scotland does not provide for a statement as to the occupation of the patient, and I am therefore unable to give my hon. and learned Friend the information he desires.