asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has further considered the claims of the Irish teachers to a war bonus; and what increase he proposes to make on the terms he originally offered?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for West Donegal.

asked if the claims of the Family Grocers' Association of Dublin for rebate on licences have yet been considered; and, if so, what are the Government's proposals?

I am afraid that at present I can add nothing to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave to the hon. Member on the 2nd instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the bonus of 4s. a week recently granted to Civil servants is paid to women?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by me to the Noble Lord the Member for Nottingham, South, on the 17th ultimo, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is proposed, either by way of fee or a grant in respect of expenses, to give pension committee clerks in Ireland some remuneration for the additional work put upon them in respect of the increased grant proposed to be given to old age pensioners in Ireland; whether he is aware that already nearly 100,000 claims have been received from intending beneficiaries under this scheme; and, as these clerks already get only a small remuneration for their Services, will he undertake to look into their claim for some recompense now?

A circular is about to be issued setting out the scale of remuneration which will be paid to clerks of local pension committees in respect of their work in connection with additional allowances to old age pensioners. I have no exact information as to how many claims to these allowances have so far been made, but they no doubt will be numerous.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in 1887 there were 2,700 candidates for natural philosophy and 1,413 for chemistry in the schools under the control of the Intermediate Board, and that in 1897 these numbers had fallen, respectively, to 592 and 312; that in 1901 there were only about six science laboratories in secondary schools in Ireland, whereas there are now 265 secondary schools teaching science under the Department's rules; that science is now taught to over 15,000 pupils; whether he is aware that this progress in science teaching has been contemporaneous with the abolition of written examinations; and whether, in view of the increased necessity for science teaching, he proposes to approve of a reversion to a system which had strangled the teaching of science in Irish secondary schools?

Whilst the number of candidates for natural philosophy fell from 2,813 in 1887 to 608 in 1897, and in chemistry for the same years from 1,428 to 323, the Board of Intermediate Education inform me that the total number of candidates in science subjects was considerably larger in 1915 than in either 1887 or 1897. The Board are not in a position to give an accurate estimate of the number of schools which in 1901 had properly equipped laboratories, but there is no doubt that since that date there has been a very large increase in the number of such schools, and at present there are between 200 and 300 of them. The Board are not able to say without inquiry whether over 15,000 pupils are now being taught science. The causes of this notable improvement are (1) that the Board made science a compulsory subject for all candidates, except in special cases of exemption; and (2) insisted upon evidence being given that each candidate had during the year attended an adequate laboratory course of practical work. Moreover, during the past fifteen years the Board have advanced sums amounting to £36,000 for the purpose of enabling schools to provide proper laboratories and equipment. Having served its purpose of introducing science teaching, the Board in 1910 rescinded the rule which made science a compulsory subject. The suggestion contained in the last part of the question that there is a reversion to the system in force prior to 1901 is, I am told, not in accordance with the facts.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Councillor O'Carroll, an unarmed man, was shot without trial by order of Captain Colthurst, in the presence of many witnesses, at or about 1 p.m., on the 26th April; if he is aware that this man was shot in Harcourt Place two hours after the garrison headquarters, Dublin Castle, and Army headquarters, Parkgate, had by telephone been informed that Captain Colthurst had shot Skeffington, Dickson, and McIntyre, and that, according to the evidence before the Royal Commission, the officer commanding Portobello Barracks had asked for instructions as to how to deal with this officer; and whether in this case an inquiry will be granted for the purpose of allocating the responsibility for this offence?

I can add nothing to the reply given by the Under-Secretary for War to the hon. Member's question of the 23rd May last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what date Richard Jameson, of Dundalk, was taken into custody in Liverpool; whether he has since been confined in Dundalk Prison without any charge being made against him; if it is proposed to bring him to trial; if so, to what tribunal; and, if not, will an order be issued for his immediate release?

Richard Jameson was arrested in Liverpool and taken to Dundalk Military Prison on 14th October under the authority of the Defence of the Realm Regulations as a person who had acted in a manner prejudicial to the public safety, and with a view to his being brought to trial or interned. I am informed that in the opinion of the Competent Military Authority it was proper he should be released, subject to restriction as to his place of residence, and that he has been released accordingly.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to improve the con- dition of the Irish prisoners at Frongoch Camp; if he is aware that hospital patients have been ordered to do scrubbing and other work of a laborious nature contrary to the rules of The Hague Convention; if he is aware that 200 prisoners were sent back to sleep in the grain loft on the 1st of the month; if he will state the number at present in hospital and the number undergoing terms of punishment; and if the Government have considered the advisability of allowing the prisoners to return to their homes in Ireland?

Upon the first and last parts of the question I have nothing to add to the numerous statements I have already made in this House. I have called for a report upon the statements in the remainder of the question: when it reaches me I will communicate further with the hon. Member.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the shortage of food supplies in Ireland during the coming winter and the prospects of an increase in tillage next spring so as to avoid such a crisis next year, he can see his way to hold out a promise to Irish farmers that contributions will be given towards the setting up of mills for the grinding of corn in various centres throughout Ireland?

Under the Department's scheme of loans for the purchase of agricultural implements, etc., persona who wish to repair or equip small corn mills may obtain loans of amounts up to four-fifths of their expenditure on the mills. From three to five years (usually five) are allowed for the repayment of loans upon which interest is charged at 4 per cent. Expert advice is provided as far as possible, and a demonstration mill has been erected at the Albert College, Glasnevin. The Department are not in a position to give further financial aid than that indicated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the military refused, on two different occasions, to allow special trains to be run to the games held under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association at Limerick; and why the latter centre is the only one where such action on the part of the authorities has taken place?

I am not sure of the particular occasions the hon. Member refers, but am aware that the action mentioned has been taken in various instances in the interests of public order.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the Board or any of its officials entrusted any work or mission to the hon. Member for Mid-Lanark on the occasion of his sailing to America under their auspices last September?

On 7th September Mr. Whitehouse called at the office of the Board of Education and stated that he was going to America to conduct certain educational inquiries, especially into the training of war orphans, and he was given, as is usual in such cases, letters of introduction. Mr. Whitehouse was well known to the office as interested in education and taking an active part in educational discussions. There was no ground whatever for supposing that the letters of introduction would be used for purposes other than his educational inquiries. He was certainly entrusted with no work or mission on behalf of the Board or any of their officers.

asked, in view of the present shortage of labour on the land and the increasing dearness of food, what are the facilities now given for the employment of suitable boys over twelve years of age from elementary schools in agricultural work?

I am not able to state in detail the arrangements made by the local education authorities in each area. The attitude of the Board of Education in the matter is explained in their Circular 943, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. A fresh Return, up to the 16th October, in continuation of the Return issued in July, will shortly be ready.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the naval evidence given before the Select Committee in 1361 was in favour of the permanent Secretary of the Admiralty, then known as the Second Secretary, being a naval officer of the paymaster branch, with experience as secretary to a commander-in-chief; whether he is aware of the success which has attended the use of a military officer as Secretary to the Army Council; and whether he can see his way to bring the suggested change into operation?

It will be obvious to my hon. and gallant Friend that the conditions obtaining in 1861 and those of 1916 are widely different. The only Admiralty with which I possess a first-hand acquaintance includes in its staff some 4,000 civilians, and this fact in itself, apart from other considerations, appears to me to create at least a strong presumption in favour of the appointment of the permanent head of the Admiralty Office being held by a civilian. Useful as a knowledge of secretarial duties afloat may be, yet, looking to the wide administrative range of the work of the Department, such knowledge would form only a small part of the experience serviceable to the conduct of business by the Board of Admiralty. In any event the only consideration which matters is that this important post should be filled by the best man available; and though no fixed rule should be laid down, I do not advocate any change in the present practice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been directed to the matter of employment of discharged soldiers who have recovered from their wounds and sickness; if many of these men have been obliged to seek employment in other countries, thereby having to provide for two homes; if several men eligible for military service are employed in munition and other Government Departments in Dublin, while un-pensioned soldiers, some having mechanical and clerical knowledge, are denied employment; and if he will instruct those responsible for such treatment, with a view also to encouraging recruiting in Ireland, that in future competent discharged soldiers shall be given a preference?

The duty of providing for the care of disabled men after they have left the Service has been imposed by Parliament on the Statutory Committee. I understand the. Committee have no information as to men being obliged to seek employment in other countries, but I am sure they will inquire into any cases of which particulars are sent to them. The Ministry of Munitions naturally has every desire to make use of the services of ex-soldiers, as indeed has every other Government Department.

asked whether the Order fixing the prices for hay and straw, and published in the "London Gazette" of the 6th instant, applies or will be applied to Ireland; and for how long is it intended that it shall be in operation?

Yes, Sir, the Order in question applies to Ireland; it will remain in force until further notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what number of troops have on the average been stationed at Wyvenhoe during the past two years; why the erection of hutments was not proceeded with earlier; whether it is the intention now to erect the necessary hutments to accommodate the number of men likely to require accommodation in the future; and (2) whether he is aware that the managers of the Wyvenhoe schools have been compelled to refuse admittance to the troops on account of their verminous condition; whether he is aware that such condition is due to the overcrowding and other conditions during the months spent under canvas, and, seeing that, in spite of their condition, between 700 and 800 men are now being billeted in the parish of Wyvenhoe, in which parish there is room for not more than 400; and will he say what steps are being taken to prevent the outbreak of disease among the parishioners of Wyvenhoe from this condition of overcrowding?

Inquiries are being made on the points raised by these two questions.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether Lord Chetwynd, who is acting as director of a filling factory in the Midlands, is receiving any payment in the form of a royalty from the Government?

Lord Chetwynd is paid a fixed salary. Beyond that he receives no payment whatever from the Government in the form of royalty or otherwise.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that in some controlled establishments where women are engaged on work usually done by men they are being compelled to start work earlier than the men employed on the same work and to remain at work after the men have left work; that they are not receiving any extra pay for this; and whether he will give instructions that women so employed must not work longer hours than the men engaged on the same work or, if they are, that they must be paid extra for it?

I have inquired into this matter, and find chat in the only department where men and women work together the same hours are worked by both, namely, fifty hours. In this department the women receive exactly the same overtime rates as the men, namely, time and a quarter for the first two hours and time and a half thereafter, with double time for Sundays. In other departments in which no women are engaged, the carpenters and joiners, according to their union rules, are working forty-seven hours.

asked whether on 21st October thirty-five girls and on 28th October eighteen girls were dismissed from the Dublin Shell Factory; and, if so, what is the reason?

I understand that twenty girls were dismissed from the Dublin National Shell Factory between the 21st and 31st October. I am making further inquiries in the matter, and will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.

asked the Minister of Munitions when the engineering firms in Dublin may expect new orders for munitions; and if he is aware that Dublin has not received her proportional share of this work whilst she pays her proportional share of war expenses and has hundreds of men and women idle who are anxious for employment?

Fresh contracts are being placed with Dublin engineering firms to follow expiring contracts in all cases where the article manufactured continues to be required by the Ministry, and where the firm is prepared to accept the price offered. I am informed that practically all the machine tools in Dublin engineering shops capable of producing articles still required by the Ministry are employed on such work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Australian Wireless Company has been fined by the Federal Government of Australia for trading with the enemy; if so, can he say what steps have been taken to ensure that this company will operate solely in the interests of Britain and her Allies?

I have no information as to any action taken against the Australian Wireless Company by the Commonwealth Government.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are still very large numbers of aliens of Allied nationality of military age in London, and that they are taking the shops and work of our own men who have gone and are going into the Army; and can he now say what measures have been taken to compel these men either to go into the British Army or to go back to their own country for service there?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave yesterday to a question on this subject, to the hon. Member for North- East Bethnal Green.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the reason that permission was given to Mr. Frank Baer, aged about thirty, German-born but a naturalised British subject, an employé of the firm of Messrs. Henry B. Merton and Company, Limited, the majority of whose directors are German-born, to leave this country for the United States; for what reason the journey was undertaken, how long Mr. Frank Baer has been away, and how long he will be permitted to absent himself from this country, and thereby not be available for military service; and if he is aware that Mr. Frank Baer applied for exemption from military service and was refused by the tribunal?

A passport, endorsed valid until the bearer is called up for military service, was granted to Mr. Frank Baer for the purpose of negotiating with the American Metal Company regarding the joint purchase of enemy shareholding in the Ore Trading Company. Mr. Baer is classified for C 1, and will be called up for 19th December. It is understood that he will be back in this country before that date, and there is no reason to suppose that he will fail to report himself as he has undertaken to do.

asked the Home Secretary if, under the recent Order for the early closing of shops, confectionery can be sold in places of entertainment after 8 p.m., but not in outside shops; and, if so, will he amend the Order to remove this discrimination?

The general sale of confectionery in places of entertainment would not be permissible under the Order, but in reply to inquiries the Home Office has expressed the view that the customary sales of sweets to persons attending a performance in a place of entertainment for consumption on the premises would come within the exception for the sale of refreshments. I have received representations on the subject from a deputation of the confectionery trades, and I have promised that if evidence can be produced that places of entertainment effectively compete with outside shops and are trying to develop a trade beyond the sales which were customary before the Order, I will certainly consider the matter further.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the increase in the sales from the penny-in-the-slot machines since the last Early Closing Act; and whether, in view of the effect of this fact upon the smaller shops and the inconvenience caused by the closing of these small shops so early to the working people, the small shops will be permitted to have penny-in-the-slot machines outside their doors?

The Courts have decided under the Shop Hours Act that a shopkeeper may erect an automatic machine outside his shop if it be on his own premises, and that such machines are not subject to Closing Orders.

asked the Home Secretary if he will modify the sentence of six months' imprisonment on ex-Inspector Syme for an alleged offence under the Defence of the Realm Act, seeing that the statements made by the man were only such as appear in the Press daily?

As the case is under appeal, I can say nothing with regard to it, but I cannot acquiesce in the statement in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in addition to any endeavours which the Government may contemplate making for the purpose of standardising the quality if bread, they will consider the economy of labour which would result from standardising the size of the loaf as far as is practicable?

:I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the point to which he draws attention is not being lost sight of.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will obtain comparative figures of the rapidity with which the Great Eastern Railway steamers used to be cleared at Parkstone Quay before it was closed to general traffic, and the rate at which they are cleared at Tilbury; and whether inquiry will be made into the cause of slackness at the latter port?

A comparison between the rates of clearance at two different ports under different circumstances would, I think, be illusory. I am informed by the Port and Transit Executive Committee that they have received no complaints of unreasonable delays at Tilbury, though the rate of loading and discharge is, no doubt, less rapid than before the War, owing to some falling-off in the quantity and quality of the labour available.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many shares are held by enemy aliens in Falk, Stadelmann, and Company, and what proportion they bear to the total number issued; and when these shares will be sold and whether by public tender or private treaty?

78,477 shares, representing one-fifth of the issued capital of Falk, Stadelmann and Company, Limited, are held by enemy subjects. The date and method of their sale are under con sideration.

asked the President of of the Board of Trade whether all enemy businesses are sold by public tender or not; and, if not, what circumstances determine whether such businesses are disposed of by public tender or private treaty?

Enemy businesses are not in all cases sold by public tender. Where it is in the public interest to ensure that the business should be sold only to a purchaser who is specially qualified to-continue the business, or where the number of possible purchasers is very limited, a sale by public auction or tender may not be practicable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a vessel, the "Restitution," mailed on the- 28th ultimo from Liverpool under the British flag with no certificated officer on board; and, seeing that under the Merchant Shipping Act a vessel of her size should have had a master and at least one officer holding a British certificate, whether he will take steps to enforce compliance with the Merchant Shipping Act in all cases?

If the hon. Gentleman will refer to House of Commons Return No. 92, dated July, 1916, he will see that this vessel was exempted from the requirement as to certificated officers on the ground that the vessel was to be employed in whaling, and British officers with experience in whaling were not available. The condition imposed was that the Norwegian officers carried should possess certificates showing satisfactory qualifications. Each case in which this power of exemption is exercised has, under the Act, to be reported to Parliament.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the retail price of ordinary granulated sugar in New York and London, respectively, on the latest date for which he is able to give the information?

The most recent official information regarding the retail price of sugar in New York relates to July last, when the average retail price of granulated sugar was reported as 8.8 cents per lb., equivalent to about 4½d. per lb. at the present rate of exchange. The current retail price in London is 5¼d. per lb.

asked the Prime Minister if he will now inform the House, for the mutual benefit of traders in the United Kingdom and the Empire, what steps have been taken to secure preferential trading throughout the Empire?

The question of the commercial policy of this country after the War, including the question referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, is being examined by the Committee of which Lord Balfour of Burleigh is chairman, and as soon as this Committee has reported its findings will be discussed at a Conference with representatives of other parts of the Empire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if all vessels registered in the British Empire are fitted with wireless installations leased by or belonging to the Marconi Company; and, if not, will he say what proportion are to be fitted?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It has recently been provided by a new Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act that all British ships of 3,000 tons and upwards are to be fitted with wireless telegraphy if and when so required by the Government. In the case of ships fitted in this country the Marconi system will no doubt be used, as it is understood that no other is at present available.

asked the Postmaster-General if the wireless systems of the Marconi Company, the Compagnie Anonyme of Brussels, and of the Telefunken Company and its subsidiaries in Germany are all intereommunicative; and, if not, will he say which are?

The systems in question, like other wireless systems, are physically capable of intercommunication with each other, but arrangements have been in force since the beginning of the War which prevent any actual intercommunication.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed at a representative meeting of the Belfast branch of the Postal Telegraph and Telephone Controlling Officers' Association expressing dissatisfaction with the present remuneration of controlling officers and urging the Postmaster-General to grant an increase of 20 per cent. on salaries up to £200 and 15 per cent. on salaries above £200, to be retrospective from March, 1915, in order to alleviate the financial position in which they now find themselves as a result of the continued increase in the cost of living; and whether he will consider the advisability of meeting the moderate claims set forth in the resolution referred to?

I have received representations from headquarters of the association in question on the subject of the remuneration of supervising officers in the Post Office. The claim of Post Office servants in general for increased remuneration will be referred to the arbitration tribunal which is being appointed to deal with such questions during the War.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what is the nature of the census which it is proposed to take of agricultural labour; and by what machinery will it be taken?

The census to which my hon. Friend refers is a return which occupiers of holdings will be required to make under the Defence of the Realm Regulations on the 1st December giving particulars as to the persons employed and the quantity of stock and certain other information. The Census Forms will be issued and collected through the post by the Scottish Board of Agriculture.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was, approximately, the annual production of oil, in tons, of Galicia and Roumania, respectively, before the War?

The latest available statistics as to the production of oil in Galicia are those for 1912, when 1,130,425 tons wore produced. As regards Roumania, the production in 1912 amounted to 1,806,942 tons, and the estimated production in 1913 to 1,885,384 tons.

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether the notices which appeared in the Press with regard to the new arrangements for providing for the prisoners of war were issued by the Gov- ernment; if so, will he say why they were furnished to the Press before being laid before this House; whether these notices have since been amended in any important particulars; and whether he can now undertake to lay a Paper before the House explaining the new Government proposals and arrange for an opportunity when they may be considered?

A communiqué of some length explaining the changes proposed was issued to the Press on 21st October. What was there stated still holds good in all important particulars. An appeal was also issued to the Press by the new Committee on the same day. The matter was treated in the same way as other similar announcements which have previously been made on the same subject during the War. I do not think there is any necessity to lay Papers, but I will send my right hon. Friend a copy of the communiqué.

asked the Treasurer of the Household if he is aware that Second-Lieutenant Arthur Cecil Vigors, D Company, 9th Royal Dublin Fusiliers, has been missing since the battle of the Somme, 9th September, 1916; that the War Office and the Red Cross Society have failed to trace him; and will he make inquiries to find if he is a prisoner of war in Germany?

This officer was reported wounded on 9th September; after special inquiry, his name was included in the list of missing officers which is circulated in Germany. The hon. Member will therefore see that all inquiries possible have been made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has yet any statement to make as to the Glasnevin strike to which his attention was called by the Member for North Dublin on the 7th, instant?

I am informed that the Lord Mayor and other representatives of the Corporation have intervened with a view to the settlement of this dispute, and that the employers have to-day had the proposed terms under their consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the advisability of restoring to their ordinary positions the constables of the Dublin Metropolitan Police who were penalised for the part taken in the recent dispute; and if he is aware that this course would be the means of restoring peace and good feeling amongst all classes in Dublin?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what, if any, are the Regulations with regard to constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary who marry women living in the district in which they are stationed?

The Regulation is that when a man obtains permission to marry, if the woman he marries is a native of the county in which he is serving or locally connected therein, he is liable to be removed to another county.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will undertake to introduce a Bill dealing with malicious injury claims in Ireland on the same footing as they are dealt with in England if the consent of all Irish parties can be obtained for such a measure?

When I am assured that there is unanimity amongst Irish parties on this matter, I shall be happy to consider the draft of such a Bill as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will consider the advisability of now making a start with the preliminary work of mapping and surveying the River Barrow, so that drainage operations in accordance with the provisions of the draft Bill of the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant in 1S13 may be commenced without delay as soon as the War is over?

I am advised that the work of bringing up to date the maps and plans which formed the basis for the draft Bill of 1913 could not usefully be undertaken at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education if he will state the number of pupil teachers who had previously attended public elementary schools for the years 1014–15 and 1915–16, respectively?

The numbers of pupil teachers recognised for the first time during the years 1914–15 and 1915–16 who-had previously attended public elementary schools were: 1914–15, 2,336; 1915–16, 2,604.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether the Irish Insurance Commissioners propose to appoint a number of additional temporary female clerks; what prospects of permanent employment these women will have in the office of the Commission; and whether it is the intention that the vacancies shall be advertised in the Irish public Press and the appointments made by means of an open competitive examination conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners?

The Irish Insurance Commissioners propose to appoint from twelve to fifteen additional temporary tellers. No prospect of permanent employment can be held out to these or to any other members of the temporary staff of tellers. The vacancies will be filled on the results of an examination, conducted by the Department, of applicants selected after personal interview by a Committee. As there are already more than three times as many candidates as there are vacancies, and as the number of vacancies is small, it is not proposed to advertise or to incur the expense involved by an open competitive examination conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he will state, approximately, the amount of the funds belonging to approved societies which have been invested, on the requirement of the Government, in public stocks; what depreciation has taken place in the same; against whom this depreciation is to be charged; what rate of interest on such money is allowed by the Government to the societies; and what becomes of the difference betwen the rate allowed and the real return earned by the money?

The amount of National Health Insurance Funds paid over to the National Debt Commissioners for investment in public stocks in accordance with Section 54 of the Act of 1911 was at 31st December, 1915, with accruing interest, approximately £30,000,000. Practically the whole of this sum represents funds belonging to approved societies, partly in the investment account and partly balances available for temporary investment under the proviso to Section 54 (3). An account of the securities held by the National Debt Commissioners as investments on behalf of the several National Health Insurance Funds was printed as a House of Commons Paper (No. 90) on 20th June last. The value of the securities at the market price of the day was on 31st December, 1915, approximately £27,000,000. Interest is credited to societies on moneys in the investment account at the rate prescribed by Regulations, and in fixing the rate which is at present 3¼ per cent. the Joint Committee have due regard to the necessity of creating a reserve to meet any losses on realisation. Societies may therefore feel assured that the par value of their holding in the investment account will be effectually maintained. The same principle is observed in apportioning amongst societies pro rata interest earned on moneys issued for temporary investment. As I stated in reply to the question by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on the 29th September, 1915, the interest earned on investments made by the National Debt Commissioners on behalf of the National Health Insurance Fund, is devoted entirely to the purposes of that fund.