asked the hon. Member for St.-George's-in-the-East, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether it is still the case that under the National Insurance Act no sickness benefit is paid to members who fall sick outside the United Kingdom, in spite of the fact that their weekly contributions are still levied during the whole of their stay abroad?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Sickness benefit is not paid, but neither are contributions cornpulsorily payable in the circumstances stated.

asked whether an insured woman who is now a paying patient at a convalescent home, and otherwise entitled to sick benefit under the National Insurance Act, has the payment of her benefit postponed until she leaves the home, or whether, by Regulations or otherwise, the benefit can be paid to her weekly?

If the member is an inmate of one of the institutions referred to in Section 12 of the Act of 1911, benefit would not, under the provisions of that Section and Section 15 of the Act of 1913, be paid to her until she had left the institution, though it would be payable at once to her dependants if she had any. Whether the above provisions apply in a particular case cannot be stated without full information as to the circumstances.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East whether medical benefit to insured persons includes the provision of proprietary tonic foods; whether in certain conditions of ill-health drugs are of little value and that effective treatment can often be given with suitable concentrated food; and if he will allow medical practitioners at their discretion to prescribe on the lines indicated?

Insured persons are entitled to proper and sufficient medicines as part of their medical benefit; and the question whether any particular compound or preparation is included within that category falls to be decided in the first instance by the insurance committee on the circumstances of the individual case.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East whether he can give any estimate of the number of insured persons who became entitled to disablement benefit on 13th July last?

The Insurance Commissioners have no means of making any precise calculation as to the number of persons who, on 13th July, became entitled to disablement benefit, but on the best estimate of which the circumstances admit they are inclined to believe that the number approximates to 80,000.

asked how many new sanatoria have been built by means of Grants from the £1,500,000 provided by the Finance Act, 1911; and how many are in course of erection?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. So far as England is concerned, the number of cases in which building is being aided by Capital Grants is sixty-nine. The work has been completed in twenty-two cases; in the remaining cases the plans have been approved by the Local Government Board, and in most of them the buildings are, I assume, in course of erection. In addition, fourteen sites have been approved for the erection of new sanatoria.

Did the right hon. Gentleman say that twenty-two had been actually completed?

Yes, Sir, completed.

asked whether the Estimates for the year 1914–15 contemplate the expenditure for the central administration of Part I. of the National Insurance Act of £1,000,821, or what other total, all Votes included, and as the State contribution towards administration of societies and insurance committees of £569,400, or what other total, all Votes included; and what is the estimated cost for the same period or for an insurance year to societies and to committees for administration?

As regards the first and third figures asked for, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for West St. Pancras on the 16th June. The amount provided for State Grant towards the administrative expenses of approved societies and insurance committees for the financial year 1914–15 is £680,800.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, on the Report stage of the National Insurance Act, 1911 (Part II. Amendment) Bill, he will consider the question of giving special relief to old workmen in the insured trades who are now over seventy years of age in relation to repayments under Section 95 of the principal Act?

An Amendment to the National Insurance Act, 1911 (Part II. Amendment) Bill is already put down in my name to be moved on the Report stage which, I think, fully meets the point raised in the hon. Member's question.

May I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars of the cases I have in mind?

I shall be pleased to show the hon. Member my Amendment. I think he will find it meets his case.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the bills of chemists supplying drugs under the National Insurance Act have been heavily discounted in districts where sufficient funds were not available to pay them; if the accounts of the doctors have been similarly dealt with; if the charges for drugs are settled before the names of the chemists are placed upon the approved lists; if such discounting has in any case been due to overcharging; if so, whether chemists overcharging have been warned; and whether there are any grounds for introducing variations of prices in different districts?

The chemists in some areas have been paid under discount pending the result of the scrutiny in progress. The doctors are, however, paid on a different basis, and no such question arises in their case. In the normal course the tariff is settled, in substance at any rate, before the chemists renew their agreements, but in some cases details have been left for subsequent settlement by general consent. If by overcharging I correctly understand the hon. Member to mean pricing inaccurately and not in accordance with the tariff, such errors are discovered and adjusted when the accounts are examined. In reply to the last part of the question, if the hon. Member will give particulars of any cases he has in mind, I will make inquiries.

Is it not to the advantage of the insured person that he should be supplied with the best drugs? In view of circumstances which have recently occurred, does the hon. Gentleman think that insured persons will be able to obtain the best drugs?

I think the answer is "Yes."

"Yes," to which?

asked what are the duties of the Chelsea District Insurance Committee; how many times they have met since their constitution; and whether they have at their disposal any funds and, if so, upon what conditions and to what extent?

The duties which may be delegated and assigned to district insurance committees in London, and the financial arrangements for their discharge, are specified in the scheme framed by the London Insurance Committee, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. My right hon. Friend is informed that the Committee referred to have met once.

Is any money at their disposal, and, if so, how much?

I think the hon. Member will find all the information in the scheme which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the difficulties experienced both in rural and urban districts by teachers and caretakers of schools in obtaining proper housing accommodation; whether the Board authorises loans for houses connected with schools; and whether any limits as to cost and accommodation are imposed upon local education authorities wishing to provide houses for teachers and others?

The Board are aware that in some rural districts teachers find much difficulty in obtaining houses or lodgings. The Local Government Board are prepared to sanction loans for the building of teachers' and caretakers' houses by local education authorities. With regard to accommodation, no limit has been prescribed. With regard to cost, I understand that the Local Government Board have not had occasion to fix a limit in the case of proposals made by local education authorities for teachers' houses. For a caretaker's house they have intimated that they consider that from £350 to £400 should be sufficient.

Does that price include the land for the caretaker's house?

Yes, I understand that it does.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that £26,331 were paid last year as school pence in 141 ordinary elementary schools in twenty cathedral cities of England, in respect of 61,850 children, these fees are imposed in order to make these schools socially select by excluding children who cannot afford to pay; and whether the Board of Education sanctions the policy of grading public schools in accordance with the financial means of the parents?

I have no evidence that the facts stated in the question warrant the conclusion suggested. The Board do not countenance any such policy as is referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the fact that the Shetlanders have established a special reputation for distinctive classes of hosiery and cloth; that, in order to deprive them of the distinctive characteristics of the trade they have built up, persons have been continually in the habit of passing off goods as Shetland, and real Shetland, without justification; and seeing that the Board of Agriculture have convened a meeting of those interested, to be held at Lerwick on the 18th August, for the purpose of considering the institution of a system of marking Shetland goods for their better protection against the unfair competition of factory-made imitations, will he consider the desirability of sending a representative of the Board of Trade to the meeting to assist in its deliberations?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 17th June. As regards the last part of the question, I understand from the Scottish Board of Agriculture that they have convened the meeting referred to for the purpose of obtaining from persons interested—principally native workers and merchants—an expression of opinion as to the desirability of protecting the native industry by a system of marking. They add that the information on the subject at present in their possession is not sufficiently complete to enable them to lay any proposal before the Board of Trade at this stage. In the circumstances I do not think that any useful result would be achieved by a representative of the Board of Trade attending the meeting; but my hon. Friend may rest assured that any proposals submitted to my Department by the Scottish Board of Agriculture will receive most careful consideration.

asked the value of needles and fishhooks imported into the United Kingdom during the years 1911, 1912, and 1913, respectively?

Imports of needles and fishhooks are not separately recorded, but are included under the general heading of "Iron and Steel Manufactures, unenumerated." The information desired by the hon. Member is not therefore available.

asked the declared value of motor cars, parts of motor cars, and chassis imported into the United Kingdom during 1911, 1912, and 1913, respectively?

The total declared value of the imports referred to was £5,991,000 in 1911; £7,146,000 in 1912, and £7,411,000 in 1913. For further details the hon. Member should consult pages 83 and 84 of Vol. 1 of the Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom for 1913.

asked what companies, in addition to the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, were invited to submit draft agreements for the supply of wireless installations for merchant ships?

The hon. Member's question is, I think, based on a misapprehension of the origin, scope and purpose of the recent proposal for an agreement. The Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, in a Report presented to the Board of Trade in 1912, expressed an apprehension that in the event of legislation making wireless telegraphy compulsory on British ships any effective competition with the Marconi Company for the supply of the necessary services might be found impracticable. In consequence of this Report the Board of Trade, when proposing legislation on the subject of wireless telegraphy, considered it their duty to endeavour to safeguard shipowners from the danger of monopoly prices which they then appeared to anticipate. The draft proposal for an agreement for this purpose was recently circulated by me to the Standing Committee by which the Merchant Shipping Convention Bill was considered. As, however, it appeared in the course of that discussion that shipowners now consider that they are able to protect their own interests without any such agreement, there seems no need to proceed further in the matter. The above explanation will make it clear that there never was any ground for attempting to protect shipowners against an apprehended monopoly by means of an agreement with any other company, and, in fact, the Board understood from the shipowners' representatives that they had no wish for such a course to be taken.

Do we understand that a model agreement will be presented by the Government to assist in the negotiations between the manufacturers and the shipowners?

No, I am bound by the decision arrived at in the Grand Committee on this Bill. The document must stand for what it is worth to be used by both sides.

Are not the shipowners good judges of ring prices?

Am I to understand that the model agreement which was dropped in Committee will yet be used?

No. The shipowners being apprehensive about monopoly terms requested the Board of Trade to be the medium of communication with the Marconi Company in the interests of the shipowners, and they are now satisfied that they do not require the protection which this agreement was supposed to give.

Then it will not be used.

If the suggestions of the Board of Trade had been carried out would it not have created a monopoly for the Marconi Company?

That is a matter of opinion.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the agreement which was dropped in Committee is to be used still for the purpose of negotiations between the manufacturers and shipowners?

So far as I am concerned, no.

asked the Home Secretary whether a man, by name Humphries, adopted the hunger-strike at Wormwood Scrubbs Prison, and because he continued to refuse food was sent to the Bucks County Asylum; and whether, as he has been certified to be quite sane, he will now be released under the recent Act?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. This man was transferred from prison to an asylum in pursuance of a certificate of insanity submitted by two magistrates and two registered medical practitioners under the Criminal Lunatics Act, 1884. He has not since been certified to be sane, but I am in communication with the Superintendent of the Bucks County Asylum on-the subject of his present condition.

asked the Home Secretary whether, since those who have published incitement to civil war in Ireland are still at liberty, he will advise His Majesty to extend his royal clemency to Mr. Drew, the imprisoned printer of the "Suffragette"?

I regret I am unable to advise any remission of sentence in this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider his attitude, seeing that the incitations of the Ulster press have resulted in the loss of human life, whereas the incitations of this man—

The hon. Member is making a statement which, whether true or not, has nothing whatever to do with this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the question, which is whether Mr. Drew, who has been put in prison for printing the "Suffragette," in which there are incitements to violence, is not more innocent than—

Order, order.

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise His Majesty to invite Mr. Drew to Buckingham Palace—

The hon. Member has no business to make offensive observations.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Miss Arabella Scott is still in Perth prison; whether she is being forcibly fed; and whether he has any report upon her present state of health?

asked for how long Miss Arabella Scott, who is in Perth prison, has been forcibly fed; whether she is resisting and has to be strapped down; by what process is food being given to her; and what is the present state of her health?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Miss Arabella Scott has been forcibly fed at any time during the last four weeks in Perth prison; is he aware that Miss Scott, who was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment in May, 1913, and was released after hunger-striking, has since confined herself to speaking and working in a law-abiding and constitutional manner; if forcible feeding was revived because some persons released under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act continued in acts of destruction during the intervals of recovery from hunger-strikes; why forcible feeding has been resorted to in Miss Scott's case, seeing that she has done no act of militancy while out of prison; and has she been advised or invited to give any undertaking not to speak in support of the suffrage cause?

Miss Arabella Scott was convicted on 19th May, 1913, of attempted fire-raising and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. She has several times been released on license under the Prisoners' (Discharge for Temporary Ill-health) Act, 1913, after serving only a few days and without being forcibly fed. On one occasion when released on license she refused to leave the prison and said she would continue her hunger strike outside the prison gates. On another occasion, when released, she refused for some hours to enter any house. On the occasion of her last re-arrest as she persistently refused to observe the terms of the licenses it was thought desirable that she should serve a substantial portion of her sentence, and from 20th June to 26th July (when she was, again released on license) she has been detained in Perth Prison. During this last period of imprisonment she was artificially fed by the mouth. She has offered some resistance but has never been strapped down. Her state of health on release is reported good, but it was not deemed advisable on medical grounds to continue artificial feeding for a longer period. I am not aware that she has abandoned the advocacy of militant methods. She has not been advised or invited to give an undertaking not to speak in support of the suffrage cause.

Is this lady sent to Perth because Perth is the only prison in Scotland where prisoners can be forcibly fed?

No, Sir. It is not the only prison in Scotland where they can be forcibly fed. There are other prisons in Scotland where they can be forcibly fed, but we have there medical officers who are accustomed to perform the operation in the criminal lunatic department there.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the statement published by Dr. Mabel Jones, M.D., that there is no foundation for the allegation that Miss Frances Gordon had undergone a course of drugging before admission to prison, and, in view of this, accompanied by Miss Gordon's denial, will he say on what evidence the statement was founded; if Dr. Watson, the medical officer for Perth prison, is the same doctor who, when forcibly feeding Miss Moorhead in Calton prison, allowed food to enter the lungs, causing pneumonia; was it by the doctor's orders that Miss Gordon was held down by the assistant doctor and wardresses for an hour and a half after the forcible feeding; was a hand or a towel held over her mouth to prevent vomiting, and is this included in the description of medical treatment; will he state why the doctor found it necessary to administer three enemas daily to Miss Gordon; was it explained to her they were not food: and, if not, what did they consist of?

My attention has not been drawn to the statement referred to. The opinion of the doctor that Miss Gordon had undergone a course of drugging was based upon her symptoms and appearance on admission to the prison. The medical officer of Perth prison conducted the artificial feeding of Miss Moorhead in the Calton prison, Edinburgh. There is no foundation for the statement that in Miss Moorhead's case food was allowed to enter the lungs, and this matter was fully dealt with in my reply to the hon. Member for Blackfriars Division on 9th March. In the case of Miss Gordon it was necessary to exercise some restraint after artificial feeding, and this was done under medical directions. The necessity for treatment by enema was explained m my reply to the hon. and learned Member on 16th July.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the methods of forcible feeding employed in America, in which only women doctors are employed, and the operation is carried out much more humanely?

No, my attention has not been drawn to any more humane method. I shall be very glad to I have it drawn to it.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the statement showing the proposed application of the Education (Scotland) Fund, promised for week of 13th July, will be circulated before the Debate on Scottish Estimates?

The statement in question was laid on the Table on the 16th instant. I am informed that printed copies are now available, and may be obtained on application at the Vote Office.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the proposed new scale of pay for the Metropolitan police; and when it will come into operation?

This matter has involved the consideration of many difficult questions, but I am now in a position to state the new scale which, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, I have granted to the Metropolitan police. The pay of constables, now on a scale rising from 27s. to 37s. 6d. a week, will in future be on a scale commencing at 30s. a week, rising annually by 1s. a week to 38s., with further increases of 1s. a week after fifteen and after twenty years' service, giving a maximum of 40s. a week. An increase in nearly the same proportion will be given to the higher ranks. These increases will bring a proportionate increase of pension. The increase of pay will take effect from the 31st of next month. The increased charge for the new scales of pay is estimated at £156,000 a year, exclusive of the future pension charge. Owing to savings and receipts beyond estimate, it will only be necessary during the present financial year to raise a rate of one farthing beyond what was originally estimated; and in the next financial year the cost will, I hope, be met by the increased Government contribution proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

In view of the enormous amount of extra work thrown on the constabulary, especially in Loudon, during the past year, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to make this increased scale of pay start from the commencement of this year?

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that it should be made retrospective?

Yes, that it should begin as from the commencement of this year.

There are no funds to enable me to do so.

You can get a special Grant.

asked the Home Secretary whether the general purposes committee of the Bromley Town Council has returned to the Home Office, with suggested amendments, the draft by-laws dealing with employment of children; if the reason for the return of these by-laws is the proposal to prevent street trading by girls under sixteen; and whether, in view of the unanimous recommendation made, in 1910, by the departmental committee that no girl under eighteen should be allowed to trade in the streets, he will prevent the Home Office submitting to local authorities by-laws which ignore this recommendation?

My hon. Friend has not, I think, been accurately informed of what has passed. The Town Council submitted a by-law providing that no girl under sixteen shall be employed in street trading. No objection, of course, was taken to this by the Home Office, but the question was raised whether the usual exception should be made for girls trading in the company of a parent or guardian. The principle of such an exception was recognised by my hon. Friend himself in the Bill which he introduced in 1912, and was approved by the Committee of this House to which the Bill was referred. In this case, as the Town Council represented that there was no need for such an exception in Bromley, I have agreed to the bylaw in its original shape, that is, without any exception, and it now only remains for the Council to submit it formally for approval.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in my Bill I only agreed to that proviso because it was merely a form and not a conviction on my part.

I am not aware of that.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the sentences of two months' hard labour each, passed at Castle Hedingham Petty Sessions on Tuesday, 21st July, on Arthur Bentley and Walter Clayden; whether the assault with which these men were charged took place in the course of a scuffle between strikers and the police; and whether, in view of the fact that these men have good characters and have never previously been in trouble, he can see his way to securing their early release?

My attention has been called to these cases, and I am making inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men have received an unusually severe sentence, and that there is reason to believe that that severity is due to the fact that—

The right hon. Gentleman informed the hon. Member that inquiry is being made. If the Home Secretary had the knowledge, it would not be necessary for him to make the inquiry.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to provide the police force during the summer months with lighter helmets than those they are now wearing?

This suggestion has been frequently considered, but it has not been found possible to provide a lighter helmet which would afford sufficient protection to the wearer against blows?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has recently sent a representative to inquire into the oil resources of Trinidad; and, if so, when does he expect a final Report?

No representative has been sent to Trinidad specially for the purpose referred to. The Admiralty have taken advantage of one of Professor Cad-man's periodical visits to the Colony in his capacity as adviser on petroleum questions to the Colonial Government to ask him to obtain some additional particulars to supplement those which are regularly supplied by the Governor of Trinidad through the Colonial Office.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of postponing the Anglo-Persian Oil contract until he has ascertained whether he can get enough oil within the confines of the British Empire?

No, Sir, certainly not.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the number of new submarines completed and laid down, respectively, in 1913; and the corresponding numbers in the case of the German Navy?

I have nothing to add to the information I circulated on the 15th of this month in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Birmingham.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Government is the owner of any artisans' dwelling-houses at any of the great dockyards under the control of the Admiralty; and, if so, if such houses were built out of money voted for the Navy?

At the great dockyards the Admiralty do not, as a rule, provide civilian dwelling houses except in the cases of a few individuals. As the hon. Member will see from Return No. 117, ordered in another place, there are 147 Civil employés engaged in the various dockyards and factories on wages bringing them within the scope of the National Insurance Act who are provided with Government houses or quarters.

Have not working men houses provided for them at the dockyards at the present time?

Those who have houses have duties which compel them to reside in or about the dockyards. Generally a town has grown up with the dockyards.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether owners of passenger steamers plying on inland lochs in Scotland where only temperance drinks are sold may not sell tobacco; whether he is aware that by taking out a licence to sell spirits they may sell tobacco; and whether, in the interests of temperance, he will make representations to the Inland Revenue authorities to have this practice altered; and asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (2) whether the Inland Revenue authorities cannot grant a tobacco licence to the owner of a steamer plying on Loch Katrine unless he also takes out a licence for spirits; and, if so, whether, in the interests of temperance, he will consider the possibility of assimilating the Regulations on the subject to the custom on shore?

Tobacco licences are issued in the cases in question without requiring a spirit licence to be also taken; and I understand that a tobacco licence was issued for the vessel in question at the commencement of the current licence year.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now lay the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence on the invasion of these islands upon the Table?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight on 11th June last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can yet announce the names of the members of the Commission upan Income Tax; whether the Commission will begin its sittings before the close of the Session?

I can at present add nothing to the reply which I gave the hon. Member for Dulwich on 21st July.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Hereditary Titles (Termination) Bill has passed through Committee without amendment; and whether, in view of the fact that a private Member is not in a position to advise the Crown to place its interests at the disposal of Parliament, he will, as a Minister of the Crown, on behalf of the hon. Member for Stirling Burghs, recommend His Majesty to place his interests in connection with the conferring of hereditary titles at the disposal of Parliament; and, having obtained His Majesty's sanction, will he give time for the Report and Third Reading of this measure, which in its first three stages has met with no opposition or criticism whatsoever, and can, therefore, be regarded as a non-contentious Bill?

The answer to the first branch of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the two latter branches, I understand that the Bill referred to cannot be regarded as unopposed, and I do not, therefore, see my way to accede to my hon. Friend's request.

Will the Prime Minister reconsider his decision, in view of the fact that a discussion in another place by Noble Lords who are chiefly affected by the provisions of the Bill, would be of great public interest?

I am afraid that is not a sufficient reason.

Is it not within the competence of the hon. Member to move an Address to the Throne asking His Majesty to place his interest at the-disposal of Parliament?

asked the Prime-Minister whether the Government proposes to take any steps to strengthen our gold reserves, in view of the fact that existing reserves would not suffice in times of acute political, socialist, syndicalist, or financial strain, to meet which Continental nations are now increasing the reserves in their own State banks?

the maintenance of adequate gold reserves is primarily the duty of the banking community, but the hon. Member may rest assured that the national aspects of the question will not fail to continue to engage the careful attention of the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say anything about the very important Bankers' Committee which is now deliberating on this question, and does he know when it will report to the Bankers' Association?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the position of the attendants at the Law Courts, who are being retired without pension on attaining the age of seventy years, although there was no such condition when they were appointed; and whether he can remedy their grievance?

I think the hon. Member must be under a misapprehension. The staff of attendants is constituted under Statute by the Lord Chancellor and the Treasury. I am informed that the men are on weekly wages, and subject to weekly notice; that by the Regulations they cease to be employed after sixty-five, but that, in practice, some have been allowed to stay longer. I have no power under the Statute.

asked the Prime Minister whether the only opportunity for discussing the educational administration of England and Wales, and its expenditure of twenty millions of public money, will be on the second Order for Tuesday, which may never be reached; and whether, in view of the importance of many questions connected with it and the fact that the Government have postponed their Education Bill, he will give a full day for discussion before the Session ends?

As the hon. Member is aware, arrangements as to the subjects to be discussed on Supply days are made through the usual channels, and I shall be glad to concur if, in the remaining days allotted to Supply, the Education Estimates are arranged to be taken. An opportunity may also occur on the Second or Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint another representative on the Army Canteen Committee specially representative of the private traders of the country, as these traders are apprehensive that their special interests as large taxpayers and rate payers may not be fully appreciated by the Committee?

Yes, Sir, arrangements are being made for this to be done.

Is the private soldier, who is mostly concerned in the matter, directly represented?

I have not had any representations to that effect.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is felt amongst members of rifle associations throughout the Empire at the proposal to change the conditions under which the King's Prize at Bisley is competed for by abolishing the aperture sight and the sling and reverting to open sights and introducing rapid shooting conditions; whether he is aware that the commandants from the Overseas Dominions have protested against the proposed alterations and definitely stated that their respective teams will not again compete at Bisley if the same are carried out; whether he is aware that the change, in the opinion of many best qualified to judge, is calculated to eliminate interest in rifle shooting throughout the Empire and have a disastrous effect on the Territorial Forces; and whether, before such change is finally decided upon, he will reconsider the matter, with the view either of abandoning the new proposal altogether, or of imposing a qualifying course under conditions to be arranged by the "War Office, leaving the competition proper under National Rifle Association conditions, as suggested in a resolution at the Bisley Tent meeting on the 21st instant?

The War Office proposals affect the conditions for some of the important Bisley competitions, including the King's Prize, and it is hoped that the proposals will do much to stimulate interest in rifle shooting generally throughout the country, and will greatly assist in increasing the musketry efficiency of the Territorial Force. The large majority of those Territorial officers who have been consulted are in favour of the War Office proposals, but I understand that the captains of the teams from overseas are not in favour of the alterations in the conditions referred to. I have, however, received no protest on the subject. As regards the last part of the question, the agreement between the War Office and the Council of the National Rifle Association was arrived at after protracted negotiations, and I think that time should be given for the new conditions to be thoroughly tested.

Before finally closing the door to the suggestions contained in the last part of the paragraph, will the right hon Gentleman consider the advisability of consulting the Australian Commonwealth Council and the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association?

Yes, Sir.

If the right hon. Gentleman has a protest brought to him dealing with this matter and stating that those who have been in the habit of attending at Bisley are against this change, will he give careful attention to it?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the 22nd July men of the Irish Guards quartered at Wellington Barracks made a demonstration when the hon. and learned Member for Waterford and the hon. Member for East Mayo passed the barracks on their return from Buckingham Palace; whether any notice was taken of this action by the commanding officer or any other officer; if so, what action; and whether any Regulations were infringed by the men in question?

I am informed that the facts are as follows: On Wednesday last, at about 1.20 p.m., a large civilian crowd were accompanying and loudly cheering the two hon. Members in question as they left Buckingham Palace and proceeded along Birdcage Walk. The shouting attracted the attention of some ten or twelve men of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, off duty at Wellington Barracks, and also attracted the attention of some twenty or thirty men in the barracks, who leant out of the windows. These men joined in the general cheering. There was no infringement of King's Regulations. At 9.45 on the following day the officer commanding formed up his battalion informally behind the Orderly Room, and in a few words told his men that such an incident, small and minor as it was, was liable to be misinterpreted, and reminded them that, as soldiers in or about barracks, they were not allowed to give public expression to private opinions.

Does or does not the principle of the admonition given by Lieutenant-Colonel Morris to the rank and file of the Irish Guards not to demonstrate their political opinions publicly equally apply to officers, honorary or otherwise, of that and other regiments?

Will the right hon. Gentleman discourage any attempt to drag in the Army by means of the Irish Guards?

asked if the steps taken by the Government in connection with the recent strike at the Woolwich Arsenal involve the adoption of the principle that the War Office will not employ non-union labour at any of its depôts or works?

No, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has yet made any arrangements to prevent employers of members of the Special Reserve or Reserve not being able to obtain relief under the employment section of the National Insurance Act in respect to the refund of one-third of their payments?

The point raised in the Noble Lord's question will be met by Clause 5 (3) (b) of the National Insurance Act, 1911 (Part II. Amendment) Bill, which secures that any contributions paid by the Crown, in accordance with Section 98 of the principal Act, in respect of a workman in training, shall for the purposes of a refund under that Section count towards the number of forty-five contributions required to have been paid by the employer by whom the workman was employed immediately before the training.

asked what is the total number of officers belonging to the Special Reserve who are now serving with units of the Regular Forces, according to the several arms?

This figure could not be given without collecting information which is not at present available. But I may say that Special Reserve Officers attached to Regular units are not included in the Returns of officers on the strength of those units.

asked whether the net loss from desertion during the last three years amounted to 4,799, and for the three preceding years, namely, 1908, 1909, 1910, to 3,413?

The figures quoted are correct additions of the separate totals shown for the years in question in the General Annual Report for 1913.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, if he is aware of the conditions of housing and sanitation on the Drumtogh fruit farm, Auchterarder; is he aware that 500 people are provided only with 176 beds, placed on the floors of barns and stables, that there is no medical or other examination of persons employed, many of whom are obviously suffering from diseases, that the sanitary arrangements are quite inadequate, the pails used for rasps by day being used as commodes in the bothies by night; is he aware that, although the farm is in telephonic communication with the Labour Exchange in Glasgow and Stirling, the officers of those exchanges sent to the farm on Monday the 20th instant an additional fifty persons (some of whom were children), for whom there was no sleeping accommodation whatever; and will he say if there are, any medical or other inspectors or authorities under his control who can insist, in the interests of the community, upon some regard being had for decency and safety?

As this question only appeared on the Paper on Saturday, I have not had time to obtain information as to the statements contained in it, but I am making inquiries.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Messrs. Douglas Brothers, of Kingswood, Bristol, are a non-fair firm of contractors who have recently been struck off the fair list by the War Office; if he is aware that the firm are at present engaged on work for the Post Office'; and if he will take steps to strike them off the list of contractors tendering for Post Office work?

A small Post Office contract was recently placed with the firm, and this is practically completed. In view of the hon. Member's statement and of information which I have now received from the War Office, I propose to have investigation made as to the rates of wages and general conditions of employment, and it will depend on the result of the inquiry whether or not the firm are again invited to tender.

asked if inquiries have yet been made with respect to the necessity for granting increased postal facilities to Bridgetown and other villages in South Wexford in the vicinity of the Great Southern and Western Railway; and with what result?

It has not yet been possible to arrive at a decision in the matter, but I hope to be in a position to send the hon. Member a definite reply shortly.

asked the Post master-General whether his attention has been drawn to the general meeting of Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company last Tuesday, and the statement then made that the net profits of the company amounted to £122,000, while a sum of £119,000 was still owing (payable in cash) to the American Marconi Company; and if he has taken steps to assure himself that the company is able to carry out the indemnity referred to in Clause 22 of the agreement with the Government?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for the Horncastle Division on the 20th instant regarding this indemnity. I have no reason at present to doubt the ability of the company to carry out their undertaking in this respect.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will give the date when the agreement between this country and the Dominion of Canada respecting the rates of postage charged for sending British magazines to Canada ended; and what is the position at the present time?

The present rates of postage on British newspapers, magazines, and trade journals sent from the United Kingdom to Canada will remain in force until the 31st of December next. I hope shortly to be in a position to make a statement as regards the conditions of the service after that date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will grant the Return standing in the name of the hon. Member for North Somerset? [Address for Return of the income and expenditure of the New England Company, with balance sheet to the 31st day of December, 1913, the gross yearly rental and income of the company, with the properties and investments held, and copies of the charter of incorporation and of any charters, leases, bequests, or other Grants, subsequent to the year 1836, from which the present income of the company is derived (in continuation of Parliamentary Paper, No. 522, of Session 1858).]

I regret I cannot do this, as the information is not furnished to the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he intends to make any statement on Tuesday with regard to his reference of the ownership of unalienated land in Rhodesia to the Privy Council, and to any action that can be taken by him in connection with the administrative provisions in the charter of the British South Africa Company in October next?

I am laying Papers which will give information with regard to the Reference to the Privy Council, and I do not think that, pending the decision of the Judicial Committee, I can usefully discuss that question. As at present advised, I do not think that I shall be able to make a statement with regard to the Charter on the Colonial Office Vote.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to secure that the new pension scheme for Irish teachers will be made retrospective, so that a teacher who re tired from the service of the National Board on 1st October, 1901, and who had given about thirty-eight years' service, may obtain an increase in his pension?

It is proposed to apply the new scheme to teachers who retired from the service on pension on or after the 1st April, 1900.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Secretary of the Board had communicated with the town clerk of West Ham to the effect that the Board were empowered to deal, under Section 6 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, with mud-splashing by motor omnibuses, but that they were not in a position to make a regulation at the present time; and whether the reasons for this inability can be stated, in view of the nuisance and expense which is caused in wet weather by the mud thrown from the wheels of motor omnibuses?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question of the hon. Member for Oldham on Monday last.

asked whether, in assessing income from possessions abroad for 1914–15, the average income of the three preceding years will be taken?

Except where the duty is charged by way of deduction, the assessments in respect of income from possessions abroad for the year 1914–15 will fall to be made on the basis of the average income arising in the three preceding years.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether that would also apply to income coming to this country for the first time?

I would rather not answer that off-hand.

asked what is the cause of the unusual delay this year in issuing the two annual Returns, Revenue and Expenditure (England, Scotland, and Ireland), and Imperial Revenue (Collection and Expenditure), Great Britain and Ireland; and when they will be issued?

There has been nothing unusual in this matter. These Returns are in the Press, and will be issued on Tuesday.

Is it not a fact that the Returns have never been so late as this year?

I am informed that is not the case, but I dare say the hon. Gentleman has looked it up.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the necessary maps and documents in connection with the purchase of the E. J. Sugrue estate, Ballinskelligs, have yet been furnished to the Congested Districts Board; and, if not, will further steps he taken to complete the purchase negotiations?

The maps and documents in connection with this estate have not so far been lodged, but the Congested Districts Board have recently been informed by the owner's solicitor that it is proposed to prepare and lodge the necessary documents.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board, which has taken over the Rae estate, Keel, county Kerry, will immediately inquire into the losses which the tenants have suffered during the past six years owing to neglect on the part of the landlord to keep the sea banks in repair, as he was bound to do; and whether immediate steps will be taken to have those men compensated who had their lands or cattle injured by this neglect?

The Congested Districts Board do not propose to inquire into the losses caused to the tenants on this estate during the past six years by the breaches in the embankment, and they cannot take steps to compel the owner to compensate the tenants for any loss that has occurred. The matter is entirely one between the former owners and the tenants.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet come to terms with James Foy and Mark Foy for the purchase of their properties in West Mayo?

The Congested Districts Board made an offer for the purchase of the estate of Mr. James Foy which has recently been accepted. The Board's offer for the purchase of the estate of Mr. Mark Foy has not been accepted.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board intend to distribute amongst the occupiers of uneconomic holdings in the district the large tracts of land now held as eleven months' tenants by Mr. James Cowan and Mr. Richard Sweeney in Knockrow and Burriell, county Mayo, on the estate purchased from Lord Clanmorris; and whether these lands, comprising about 700 acres, are required for the relief of congestion in the district?

The lands referred to are not included in the estate of Lord Clanmorris purchased by the Congested Districts Board.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has now had inquiry made into the claim for an old age pension put forward by Mrs. Sullivan, Breahig, near Waterville; and can he state what decision has been come to?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 30th June. There has been no subsequent appeal in this case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) if the provision in the Government of Ireland Bill enabling Civil servants to retire voluntarily, i.e., under the statutory conditions of retirement, has been inserted in the Bill to meet the cases of officials' who, although not removed from office or who may retire by permission, may find their positions during the transitional period distasteful; (2) whether he will state if it is now the policy of the Government to give Irish Civil servants the same terms on retirement as those proposed in the Bill of 1893; and (3) if he will state on what grounds Civil servants who may retire under the statutory conditions of retirement are offered in the present Government of Ireland Bill, considerably smaller pensions than were offered to the same class of officials in the Bill of 1893 and in the Irish Councils Bill, 1907?

The provisions of the Civil Service scheme in the Government of Ireland Bill were discussed at length in Committee, and if the hon. Member will refer to the Debates of the 9th December, 1912, he will find that I explained fully the principles on which the scheme was based, both as respects voluntary and compulsory retirement and the reasons for not adopting the scheme of the Bill of 1893. It is not proposed to make the change which the hon. Member suggests in the second question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in another place Lord Crewe said he would call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to this unfairness?

Yes, Sir, I believe that is so.

asked whether the local constabulary have received official directions to keep constant watch by night and day over the river at Louisburgh for the detection of poachers; and whether it is the duty of the constabulary to act as water bailiffs for the Marquess of Sligo, the owner of the fishery?

The answer to both paragraphs of the question is in the negative. It is, however, the duty of the police to enforce the fishery laws when any breach of those laws come under their notice.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks of the judge and counsel in the Welsh Central Board of Education case at Swansea Assizes; and whether the Board of Education proposes to take any steps to put the affairs of the Welsh Central Board of Education into proper working order?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the criticisms of and accusations of carelessness in the affairs of the Central Welsh Board made by Mr. Justice Atkin; whether he will make a special inquiry into the ad ministration of the Central Welsh Board; and whether he will issue Regulations which will render it less easy for such irregularities as have recently occurred to occur again or such temptations placed in the way of junior officials?

I have seen the remarks of the Assize judge which are referred to in both questions. Until the Welsh Central Board have had a full opportunity of considering the matter and taking action thereon, I am unable to say whether any action on my part will be necessary.

May I ask whether the Board of Education is going to consider this matter?

I do not yet know whether any action will be necessary.

asked whether any steps are being taken to secure a classification of roads in Ireland?

I understand that the Road Board are now considering the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when the Conference on the Irish question has finished its labours, any portion of its proceedings will be officially published?

It is not intended that anything further should be published.

asked whether an Order has been issued from the War Office, or from any of those responsible for the command of His Majesty's Forces in Ireland, forbidding Army pensioners from taking part in the drilling or organisation of Volunteers in Ireland; and, if so, whether such Order applies in the case of General Richardson and the officers of the Army who have been associated with the Ulster Volunteers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The latter part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what instructions have been issued to officers of the Customs and Excise in Ireland as to searches for arms and ammunition in packages consigned by train from one part of Ireland to another; will he lay a copy of all the instructions issued under the Arms Proclamation upon the Table; is he aware that two Customs officers, accompanied by five policemen, on Thursday last entered the station of the Dublin and South-Eastern Railway at Arklow, and there searched a package consigned from Dublin to a grocer in Arklow, but found no arms or ammunition; can he say whether since the issue of the Arms Proclamation any similar search at a railway station in the four North-Eastern counties of Ireland has taken place as regards any consignment of goods from another part of Ireland; and why special activity is shown outside these counties?

The answer to the first part of the question is that no such instructions as those referred to have been issued to officers of Customs and Excise in Ireland. I have no information as to the incident at Arklow, but I am making inquiries. I am assured that it is not the case that the officers of Customs and Excise show greater activity outside the North-Eastern counties than inside them. If my hon. Friend supplies me with information to show that the assurance I have received is not justified by the facts, I shall cause the strictest investigation to be made. The Government realise that if any distinction be drawn in the administration of law according to the political opinion of those who offend against its provisions, all confidence in the administration of law in this country would disappear.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman on whose instructions Customs officials inspect packets going to Ireland at Holyhead and again at North Wall, and charge 4s. for each inspection?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I will look into the matter.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman who gave the assurance to which he refers in his answer?