asked the Prime Minister what is the attitude of the Government to the Irish Workers and Transport Union; if he can state how many members have enlisted to serve the Crown and how many joined the so-called Citizen Army; whether the union is an approved society under the National Health Insurance scheme; and what steps are being taken to provide for the payment of sickness and other benefits due to its members?

I am informed that about 2,500 members of this union, of whom 1,000 were Reservists, have joined His Majesty's Forces, and that the strength of the Citizen Army before the rebellion was about 100 men and twenty Boy Scouts. The union is approved by the Irish Insurance Commission for the transaction of business under the Insurance Act, and the Commission see no reason for interfering with the union as far as this business is concerned. The payment of benefits is carried out subject to proof being given that the claimants are entitled thereto, but delay may occur in authenticating the claims in some cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of charity concerts are now being given by the different regiments scattered all over the country; whether these entertainments are liable to be taxed; and, if so, can he see his way to make such provision as will enable both application and refund to be made through the agency of some local authority instead of through London?

The conditions under which the tax may be waived or repaid in respect of concerts for charitable purposes are stated in Section 1 (5) of the Finance (New Duties) Act. Applications for repayment are decided by the Board of Customs and Excise, and may be made through local Customs and Excise officials.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the desire of the Board to give a fair share of promotions to commissioned ranks to men who have risen from the lower deck, whether the Board will take into consideration the promotion to engineer- lieutenants of selected chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers who, in many cases, have been performing duties formerly done by engineer-lieutenants, having regard to the fact that only seven such promotions to engineer-lieutenants have taken place for meritorious service since the War commenced?

This is a question which has already occupied the attention of the Board of Admiralty, and quite recently authority was obtained for an increase in the number of officers of lieutenant's rank in all branches promoted from commissioned warrant officers and warrant officers from 100 to 150. Chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers were given their proper proportion of the additional lieutenants thus made. I should add that promotions for gallantry in action can be made, in addition to the numbers referred to in the foregoing statement. Eight special promotions of chief artificer engineers to engineer-lieutenant for meritorious service have been made since the outbreak of war.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the beneficial effect increased prospects of promotion have on recruiting for the skilled engine-room artificer branch, whether the Board will take into consideration that 129 engineer lieutenants and forty-three engineer sub-lieutenants have been entered directly into the Navy for temporary service during the War; and whether the Board will now close that avenue of entry and fill vacancies by men who have experience of naval work by promoting chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers?

The suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend will not be lost sight of, but it is impossible to give any assurance that further entries of engineer officers from the shore for temporary service during hostilities will not be required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the remark of the military representative at the West Central District Military Service Appeals Tribunal, sitting at Bradford on 31st May, on the non-appearance of a man who had died since his first application, when he said that he had got what he asked for, non-combatant service; and whether he will take steps to prevent military representatives making such uncalled-for comments in future?

I understand that a remark in the sense mentioned was made by a local military representative, but that it was a personal and private remark not addressed to the members of the tribunal, and probably not heard by them, but made to an acquaintance of the speaker. I think rather undue importance has been given to this incident, but at the same time I agree that military representatives should not indulge, in obiter dicta, and I would add that according to my information these representatives in the main conduct themselves with great tact and discretion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men who have been so wounded in the War as to be unfit for further military service are discharged from hospital into civil life in such civilian clothes and boots as their friends are able to supply them with, in many instances worn and shabby, and with no badge or other distinguishing mark to show that they have been maimed in the service of the Empire; whether he is aware that this treatment causes resentment and pain besides making their chances of obtaining civil employment more difficult; and whether he will consider the matter and arrange that each man who desires it shall be supplied by the War Office with suitable clothes and boots to enable him to present a respectable appearance?

The regulations provide for soldiers discharged as medically unfit for further service to be supplied on discharge with a new suit of plain clothes, or if they are in possession of plain clothes for them to receive a money allowance instead. They also receive a civilian greatcoat and they arc allowed to retain their shirts, boots, socks and small articles of kit. Care is taken to ensure that they are at least in possession of one pair of boots, one pair of drawers, one cardigan waistcoat, two flannel shirts, and two pairs of socks. An armlet is authorised for all men so discharged.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in order to furnish the Air Inquiry with all the necessary material, he will grant a Return of all accidents, fatal or otherwise, which have occurred to officers and men of the Royal Flying Corps since the introduction of the BE2c type of machine, specifying in each case the type of aeroplane involved, the nature of the duty on which it was employed, the name of pilot and passenger (if any), and the official explanation of the cause of the accident; and (2) whether, in order to facilitate the inquiry into the allegations and criticisms respecting the administration and command of the Royal Flying Corps, the War Office will facilitate the disclosure of all documents pertinent to the inquiry which may be called for to corroborate testimony?

The War Office is prepared to furnish to the Committee of Inquiry any information of the nature suggested for which the Committee may ask.

asked whether eight young Mayo men from Balla and Castle-bar have been arrested on the charge of a man named Thomas Moclair, a paid official under the Old Age Pensions Act in Castlebar, an organiser of the United Irish League, a member of the Board of Erin Secret Society calling themselves "Mollies," and a paid recruiting agent; whether the charge made by this man was that the Irish Volunteers recovered possession of twenty Martini-Henry rifles which were stolen from them by Moclair and his friends of the rival Volunteer organisation by a midnight raid at a time when the Irish Volunteers were on the same legal footing as the rival body; whether Moclair has himself been convicted of discharging firearms in an attempt to put down a public meeting at Crossmolina by terrorism; and whether the young men charged with the recovery of the stolen property will be brought to trial or immediately discharged?

I am informed that the eight men referred to were not arrested on charges made by Mr. Thomas Moclair. Some of them have now been released.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Mr. Joseph O'Flaherty, of Loughrea, now a prisoner at Stafford, is in hospital there; if not, whether he has been medically examined as to his fitness to bear imprisonment, aggravated by the absence of charge or trial; and whether, to avoid fatal consequences to his health he will, without further delay, be either released or tried for any offence that can be alleged against him?

Mr. O'Flaherty is not detained in hospital. He was medically examined on arrival at this detention barrack, when he complained of "stroke of the tongue," which occurred two years ago. There is no evidence of any paralysis of the tongue at present. He attended hospital for dyspepsia on 19th May, and was medically treated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware, that a young man named Patrick Sheahan was arrested in his home in Dublin and deported to Wandsworth Prison, where he still is; whether he can say if there is any charge against him beyond the fact that he had Sinn Fein literature and some revolver bullets, but no revolver or rifle in his home when it was searched by the military authorities, and whether, as there was nothing illegal in people having these things in their possession up to the time of the rebellion, he will take steps to see that this is taken into account by the military authorities with a view to his immediate release?

The case of Patrick Sheahan has now been investigated, and he was released on May 29th.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say by whose order and under what prison rule men and women, wounded and otherwise, were confined together in the same rooms for several consecutive days and nights during the first ten days of imprisonment in Richmond Barracks in connection with the insurrection; and whether the officer who so ordered it has been reprimanded?

There is no truth in the allegations made in this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Mr. Bartholomew O'Connor, of No. 1, Brendon Road, Donnybrook, Dublin, was arrested on 1st May in Dublin, immediately on his return there after having been absent for the previous ten days; whether any inquiries have been made into Mr. O'Connor's case and whether he has been given an opportunity of explaining his whereabouts while absent from Dublin; whether Mr. O'Connor spent from 19th April to 26th April at Brosna, county Kerry, on a visit to his mother, who is ill, and on his way back to Dublin spent from the 26th to the 29th with his brother at Newcastle West, county Limerick; and whether Mr. O'Connor will now be released?

This case has been investigated. The evidence of hostile association is such that no order can at present be made for his release.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the charge preferred against Michael Foley, aged twenty-one years, who was deported from Dublin and is now detained as a prisoner in Knutsford Detention Barracks?

He is detained as being implicated in the recent rebellion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of Cavalry in charge of an officer arrested and searched Mr. Thomas Farnell, school teacher, when leaving his school at Cloneygowan, in King's County, on the evening of the 19th instant, refusing at the same time to prefer any charge against him, and that after taking him back to his school, which was minutely searched by the soldiers, and afterwards to his lodgings, which were also searched, the officer charged Mr. Farnell with having destroyed any Sinn Fein literature he might have had, and that Mr. Farnell denied having had any nor any connection with the Sinn Fein movement; whether he is aware that the officer then accused him with having treated the troops with disrespect by deliberately turning the pupils' backs to them, which the prisoner denied, explaining the children's behaviour; whether he will state the instructions given to the officer on the morning of the 18th instant on moving the troops in question from Tullamore to Portarlington, which led to the aggravation and insult of peaceable citizens; and whether an apology will be offered to Mr. Farnell, who feels aggrieved that such a charge should be made against him, and that he should suffer such treatment?

No report has been received of the occurrences alleged in this question. No special instructions were issued to the officer in command of these troops. The troops were searching for arms and seditious documents.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the prisoners transferred from Cork to Dublin on 9th May were neither given nor allowed to procure for themselves food from 6.30 a.m. at Cork Gaol, and at 7 a.m. at Cork Barracks, on the 9th until 9 a.m. on the 10th May; why the military authorities refused to give, for the purpose of procuring food, money which they held belonging to some of the prisoners; whether he is aware that the elder men were fainting from hunger; by whose order this treatment was given; and what official notice has been taken of it?

The prisoners were sent from Cork to Dublin on 9th May, and were supplied with breakfast before leaving. They were also supplied with tea and biscuits on arrival at Richmond Barracks, Dublin, the same afternoon. There is no truth in the allegations made in the latter portion of this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that nine men have been arrested at dead of night in Strabane and its vicinity without charge or warrant, not by the military, but by the police, who, when asked what the charge was, answered that they did not know; under what authority the military empower the police to arrest men in their houses without charge or warrant; all have been arrested in similar circumstances, and all being similarly able to give evidence of entire innocence of recent disturbances, will he explain the difference in treatment, some having been released at the instance of the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, some detained in Dublin, while John Cassidy, Bernard M'Kenna, and Daniel Doherty are now prisoners at Lewes, and Patrick Duncan and James Greaves at Wakefield; why affidavits sent to the military authorities showing the position of these men to be identical with that of those released have neither been used nor acknowledged; and, non-intervention on behalf of these men being due to local party politics and, the only fact distinguishing their cases from those released, whether these five men will be released immediately?

These arrests were effected by the normal procedure under the Defence of the Realm Act. The evidence is not the same in all the Strabane cases. Decisions have been arrived at in these, as in all cases; in accordance with the evidence produced at the Inquiry. Affidavits and other communications are acknowledged as soon as possible after receipt, and due consideration given to them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will have Messrs. O'Leary. Curtis and John M'Elvogue, who are detained at Wandsworth, William Ganly and Richard Humphreys, who are detained at Wakefield, and Count Plunkett and Alderman Thomas; Kelly, wherever detained, medically examined, and the opinions of their respective medical attendants considered, with a view to their immediate release, since they have not yet been charged with any offence, and can give security for subsequent appearance before a civil tribunal if required?

As has repeatedly been stated, the cases of all the men arrested are being investigated as quickly as possible, and releases are daily taking place. It would obviously be unfair to take particular cases up for investigation specially out of the natural order simply because they have been made the subject of a Parliamentary question. Any medical aspects of particular cases are taken into consideration. Alderman Kelly and Mr. O'Leary Curtis have now been released.

asked the Prime Minister whether the cases of P. J. Kelly, who is detained at Knutsford, and of J. J. M'Elligot and Frank Burke, who are in Stafford Detention Prison, have been yet investigated; and whether they will be released at an early date?

P. J. Kelly was released on 25th May. J J. M'Elligot was released on 28th May. The case of Frank Burke is at present under investigation. I have assumed that the question relates to Pat Kelly, of 178, North King Street, Dublin, and to Frank Burke, of Coorough, Carbury, county Kildare.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that five young men from Killarney, some from Fories, and some from Castleisland, were arrested under martial law, were removed first to Cork; and from there to Dublin; whether he can say if any charge was made against those men or has yet been made; if so, what it is; if such charge is made will they be given a public trial and allowed to be defended by counsel; and, if no charge is contemplated, will they be released at once?

I am not in a position to confirm what is stated in the first part of the question, but I accept it from my hon. Friend that some men were arrested from the districts named. They will be dealt with under the general instructions already issued and made public. Any who are innocent of any complicity in, or connection with, the rebellion will be released as soon as investigation shall have established such absence of complicity.

asked the Prime Minister how many persons were arrested in Queen's County in connection with the recent trouble in Ireland; if Queen's County remained absolutely peaceful during the period; and whether, under the circumstances, the continued enforcement of martial law in the district is justifiable or necessary?

The exact number cannot be given, but it is not large. As regards the continuance of martial law, I would refer the hon. Member to what has been said in debate and in reply to questions by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the case of James Dwyer, formerly of Shanra, Gracefield, Queen's County, a tradesman who was arrested in Dublin during the recent rebellion, and who is at present in Wandsworth Prison, has yet been investigated; whether this man will be released at an early date; and (2) if the investigation into the case of Thomas Fox, painter, formerly of Maryborough, Queen's County, who was arrested during the recent disturbance in Ireland at Newtownbarry and deported to Stafford Detention Prison, and who had no connection with the rising, is yet completed; and if he can say when this man, who has a wife and child dependent on his earnings will be released?

These cases are still being investigated.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Arthur O'Donnell, the only prisoner arrested in West Clare in connection with the late rising, is detained at Lewes Prison, and that though he has not been informed of any charge against him he is treated as though he was a convict; and whether, in view of the fact that there were no disturbances of any kind throughout county Glare, he will consider it advisable that Arthur O'Donnell should be released?

This case has been thoroughly inquired into. It was decided that he could not be released, and an internment order under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14B has been applied for. This regulation will give him the right to apply to the Advisory Committee referred to therein.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take immediate steps to release the prisoners from county Clare, and particularly the brothers Hunt, of Corofin, Mr. Kearse, of Corofin, Mr. A. O'Donnell, of Tullycrine, and Mr. O'Loughlin, of Carron, all of whom are very extensive farmers who were in no way connected with the movement, and whose businesses will be ruined if they are kept in prison any longer?

I learn that the brothers Hunt have now been released, but I have no similar information in regard to the other persons mentioned.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that a man named Frowley, who was arrested at Wolfhill, Queen's County, for taking some articles out of the police barracks during the recent disturbance in Ireland and was deported to Perth Detention Prison, had no connection with the rebels and is well known in the district as not being mentally sound; and whether, under the circumstances, this man will be released and sent home without delay?

This case is being investigated, and if no hostile association detrimental to the public safety is apparent the military authorities will order his release. A note has been made as to this man not being mentally sound.

asked the Prime Minister if one of the prisoners he interviewed in Richmond Barracks was Mr. Thomas Nolan, town clerk of Carrickma-cross, arrested on 5th May; whether Mr. Nolan protested against his arrest as being wholly unjustified, and General Maxwell then told an officer to make a note of the case; whether, notwithstanding that meanwhile no trace of incriminatory evidence has been found against Mr. Nolan, he was deported to Lewes Detention Barracks on 19th May, while his sister was not admitted to Richmond Barracks until 20th May, to be informed of his deportation; whether, as he has a wife and six children dependent on him, and Carrickmacross was not disturbed during the rebellion, he and the seven others arrested with him will either be tried or discharged; or, if they and other untried Irish prisoners are to be kept in exile, will they receive as good treatment as is given to interned Germans?

This case has been thoroughly inquired into. It was decided that Mr. Nolan could not be released, and an internment order under Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations has been applied for. This Regulation will give Mr. Nolan the right to apply to the Advisory Committee mentioned therein.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what food is allowed daily to each of the Irish untried prisoners detained in Wandsworth Prison; whether he is aware that the prisoners state that they arc half-starved, and that the amount of food supplied daily is not sufficient for one meal; and considering that many of the prisoners were not in any way connected with the recent revolt in Ireland, will he give instructions that they be as well treated as German prisoners of war?

The diet hitherto supplied for prisoners of war at Wandsworth Detention Barracks is that known as Scale B. This is now being discontinued, and the diet for prisoners of war substituted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the "Enniscorthy Echo" has been suppressed by the military authorities, although nothing in favour of the Irish Volunteers was written in it for the past twelve months; and whether, having regard to the fact that sixteen families are dependent on it for a living, he will take steps to see that the military authorities give permission to have it republished without further delay?

This paper was suppressed temporarily. The restriction will, it is anticipated, be withdrawn shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. William Sears, editor of the "Enniscorthy Echo," was arrested on the 4th May in Dublin, where he has been living for the past two years, and imprisoned in Wandsworth Gaol; that he had no arms in his possession and was not a member of the Irish Volunteers, and had not attended a Sinn Fein meeting for the past five years; and, having regard to these facts, whether he will take steps to have him released without further delay?

This case has been thoroughly inquired into. It was decided that he could not be released, and an internment order under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14B has been applied for. This regulation will give him the right to apply to the advisory committee referred to therein.

asked the Prime Minister whether he and the Government have sanctioned the conduct of the military authorities in bringing Pressmen to parts only of the places in which prisoners are kept in Ireland, and allowing them to publish parts only of the answers and other evidence they receive; and whether there is any prospect of the conditions in those places being so improved that Pressmen may be left free to report truly what they see and hear?

There is no truth in the allegations made in this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the licensed premises of merchants in the town of Gort, county Galway, have been closed by the military since the 20th May; is he aware that Gort has neither a military camp nor station, nor industrial works of any kind, class, or description that might call for action of this kind on the part of the military; and, having regard to the fact that all the licensed traders of Gort carry on a general composite business in bread, flour, tea, sugar, bacon, etc., will he, in the interest of the people of the town and the district, direct the military authorities to give permission to the traders to resume business as formerly?

This restriction has now been withdrawn.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any doctor but the military doctor has been allowed to inspect the sanitary conditions in which prisoners have been kept at Arbour Hill, Dublin, the number of men confined to one room, the defective ventilation, the vermin and filth, the absence of beds, and the compelling of certain Galway men arriving; in wet clothes to sleep in these; and whether he can name any independent doctor who recorded his approval of these conditions?

The prisoners at Arbour Hill, Dublin, are under the care of the military doctor. The sanitary conditions of the prison are in charge of the sanitary officers. These two officials give close attention to the needs of the prisoners, and there is no ground for the imputation of want of care.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has yet ascertained the number of unarmed civilians killed by South Stafford soldiers in North King Street, Dublin, during and after the insurrection; why no report has been made of, and no one yet tried for, the killing of Thomas Hickey, his young son, and a man named Connolly, all unarmed non-combatants, on the night of the 28th April in the house 168, North King Street; why the evidence of the woman witness, whom the soldiers threatened to bayonet if she spoke, has never been taken; whether, in consideration of her terror of soldiers, it will be taken by a non-military authority; whether the full public inquiry promised into the North King Street cases will comprise this case; and in what way compensation is to be made to the dependants of the men so slain?

Inquiries are being made into this matter and, so far as they have gone, they do not support the allegations contained in this question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether ten civilian pay clerks who have been employed for over twelve months at the Cork Barracks, have been discharged this week and their places taken over by conscientious objectors brought over from England; whether thirty other civilian pay clerks similarly employed have also received instructions that they also are to be discharged as soon as conscientious objectors can be sent over from England to fill their places; whether the pay of the civilian clerks is £1 15s. per week, whereas the pay of the new military clerks, including rations, lodging and clothing, will be £2 6s. 10d. per week; whether the civilian clerks did the work to the satisfaction of the military authorities; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent them from being dismissed under the circumstances mentioned?

The men in question were discharged as unsuitable, and are being replaced by men of the Army Pay Corps. These men did not enlist as conscientious objectors. I do not propose to interfere with the decision arrived at.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the official papers issued to soldiers going on leave from the front, i.e., the permissions or passes, contain instructions to such soldiers as to what they should do if peace was declared during their six days or rather more of absence; if ho is aware that this instruction has already led to many erroneous conclusions, and that these conclusions, by being spread, have led in many cases to a misunderstanding as to the length of time which the War is likely to last; and whether, in view of the undesirability of misleading the people of this country to believe that peace is imminent, he will give instructions to have this instruction deleted?

I understand that in some cases the documents referred to have been altered in the manner described subsequent to their issue. The matter is being enquired into. If the hon. Member can furnish the names of any officer or soldier whose pass has been so altered, I should be obliged to him. I need not add that the alteration has not been made by authority.

asked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether, in order that the new Air Board may derive every possible advantage from the evidence given and the conclusions based on such evidence at the inquiry into the administration and command of the Royal Flying Corps, a representative of the Board will be instructed to attend the sittings of the Committee?

Arrangements have been made whereby the Air Board is supplied with a transcript of the shorthand note of the evidence given before the Committee of Inquiry on the administration and command of the Royal Flying Corps.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, as a result of an Early Closing Order under the Shops Act, 1912, recently sanctioned for the boroughs of Hackney and Stoke Newington, the shopkeepers on one side of the Blackstock Road are obliged to close their shops while they see their business appropriated by the shopkeepers on the other side of the road; if, under these circumstances, he has power to exempt boundary roads from the operation of the Order or, in the alternative, to extend the Order to shops on both sides of the road; and, if so, will he consider the desirability of exercising his power in this case?

This Order has not yet come into force. I am in communication with the London County Council in regard to the point raised by the Noble Lord, and the matter shall be carefully considered before the Order is confirmed.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a Chinese seaman named Chung Cok was engaged on the steamer "Danube" on the 22nd May, 1916, as a seaman, and gave his place of residence as 21, Limehouse Causeway, Poplar; and whether he will state if the occupier of 21, Limehouse Causeway, Poplar, is licensed under the London County Council's by-laws to keep seamen lodgers?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. A Chinese seaman, who gave this address, was engaged on the "Danube" on the 22nd May. The occupier of the house is not licensed. The Board of Trade are in communication with the London County Council in the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to the operation of the Summer Time Act, people are shopping later, and, in consequence, although nominally the shops close one hour earlier, the shop assistants are kept considerably later dealing with the rush of late customers; and whether he can use his powers so as to ensure to these shop assistants the benefits of the Summer Time Act?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to my answer to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield on the 24th ultimo. No representations have reached me that the public are shopping later and that assistants are being kept later in consequence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the number of British officials now in I Egypt and the aggregate total of their annual salaries?

I have no exact information, but have requested His Majesty's High Commissioner for Egypt to furnish: me with a report on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can say if the methods adopted in Ireland for combating the bee disease have been successful in stamping it out; I and whether the results achieved there justify the application of similar methods in England and Scotland; and, if so, whether he will initiate the same as soon; as possible, or issue recommendations on the subject to bee-keepers?

I am not certain whether the hon. Member refers to the Isle of Wight disease of bees or to foul brood. If the former, then the methods adopted in Ireland are on the same lines of voluntary action by bee owners as those adopted in Great Britain, which have not hitherto been successful in suppressing the disease in either country. If the latter, the disease is dealt with in Ireland by the Bee Pest Prevention (Ireland) Act, 1908, the operation of which has not been successful in stamping out foul brood in that country. It does not seem to the Board advisable to adopt similar legislation in Great Britain.