Written Answers
War
Food Supplies
Allotments (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if compulsory powers will be granted to the Department of Agriculture in Ireland to acquire land for allotments for labourers and artisans in towns where district councils have failed to get such land by agreement?
The Department of Agriculture, under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, have been given compulsory powers to acquire land situated in or near an urban district if they are of opinion that, in order to provide necessary food for residents in the locality, land in or near that district is immediately required for the purpose of being cultivated in allotments, and that the use of the land for that purpose is unreasonably withheld; and they can delegate this power in an approved case to an urban district council for the purpose in question. The Department and the Local Government Board are taking the necessary stops to give effect to the Regulations without delay.
Motor-Tractor Ploughs
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the desirability of providing technical and agricultural committees in tillage centres with motor-tractor ploughs, which could be hired out to farmers who, owing to the increased area under tillage and the large amount of ploughing to be got through, will find it impossible to get the land ready in time for sowing with the horse ploughs at their disposal?
The Department of Agriculture recommends that in view of the late season and the limited number of motor tractors available, the fullest possible use should be made of horse ploughs and especially the two-furrow plough drawn by three horses. The Department is, however, doing all that is possible to make such motor tractors as there are available for ploughing exceptionally large tracts of land, and any applications on the subject should be made to the Department in Dublin.
Sale Of Land (King's County)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a memorial from the residents of Croghan, King's County, asking his intervention to enable twenty small farmers and labourers in the district to carry through the sale to them of 470 acres of land for cultivation into effect; whether he is aware that these twenty persons have come to an agreement for the purchase of the said lands with the occupier, who has so far let the lands for grazing each year on the eleven-months' system; and, seeing that it is not in the interests of the production of food for the people in the present circumstances that this land is left unavailable for cultivation, and that the only reason given by the agent for the landlord in exercising pre-emption is that it is much easier to collect from one tenant than from twenty, whether he intends to take any action in the matter?
I have received the memorial referred to by the hon. Member. I learn, however, that the Land Commission Court have decided, in pursuance of Section 1 (6) of the Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1881, that the grounds on which the landlord has refused to accept the proposed purchasers as tenants are reasonable, and it is not in my power to take any action in the matter.
Prisoners Of War (British And German)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of military and civilian German prisoners of war, respectively, now interned in this country; the estimated number of British military and civilian prisoners interned in Germany; what rations are provided for British prisoners in Germany and what rations are provided for German prisoners in this country; and whether there is any reason why German prisoners should have superior rations to those proposed by the Food Controller for the inhabitants of this country?
I am informed that there are at present in this country 26,837 combatant and 23,929 civilian prisoners of war of whom the greater number are German; and that there are 35,739 British prisoners of war of both categories in Germany. It is not possible to state the precise ration provided for British prisoners of war in Germany, as the amount varies in the various camps, and is based largely on the extent of supplies obtainable locally. With regard to the last part of the question, it is not the fact that German prisoners in this country have better rations than those proposed by the Food Controller.
Military Camps (Prevention Of Waste)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what economies and improvements have been carried out during the last eighteen months in the camps of the Home Command in the messing of the soldier with a view to the prevention of waste; whether any use is being made of the various by-products of the soldiers' rations; and, if so, to what extent?
Very considerable economies and improvements have been effected during the last eighteen months, and I hope to refer to the subject in the course of the Debate on Army Estimates.
Soldiers Transferred To Reserve
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) how many soldiers have been passed into Class W Reserve during the last three months, and how many of these were suffering from wounds or other disabilities so as to be unable to earn their living; and (2) whether men drafted by mistake into Class W Reserve while unfit to earn their living receive any pay or allowance for the period during which they remain in such Reserve before being passed as medically unfit and therefore eligible for pension?
I think I have already answered the specific points raised in these questions, but I may add that the question of all soldiers transferred incorrectly to Class W is receiving special consideration.
Drapery Employes' Meeting (Police Raid)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to make a statement as regards the raid by the military and police authorities on a meeting of employés in the wholesale drapery trade, called by the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen, and Clerks, in the rooms of the union, in Argyle Street, Glasgow, on the evening of the 9th instant; under what authority and for what purpose it was made; whether all was found to be in order; whether it would have been possible to obtain any desired information in a more usual way; and if in future more regard will be paid to the desirability of securing and retaining the goodwill of such associations?
I am sorry that I am still not in a position to answer my hon. Friend, as the inquiries which I instituted last week have not yet been completed.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, having regard to the increased cost of the necessaries of life, he will recommend the doubling of all pensions not in excess of 1s. per day to retired veterans who served in the Army and are now over 60 years of age?
No, Sir. I am afraid I cannot do so.
Soldiers' Spare-Time Employment
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to Army Council Instruction No 5, dated 2nd January, 1917, regarding spare-time employment of soldiers; and whether the financial instructions and the restrictions therein laid down, whereby 4½d. only for three hours' work remains after the prescribed deduc- tions have been made from a man's earnings, are calculated to deter the soldier from employing his spare time in agricultural work, and also to throw much unnecessary clerical labour on the officer commanding the unit and the Army pay offices, as well as needless expenditure in postage, paper, etc.?
The question is under consideration.
Germans Naturalised
asked the Home Secretary how many Germans were naturalised in this country in each of the years 1900 to 1914; and how many on the average were naturalised in each of the two decades 1880–1890 and 1890–1900?
The following figures for the years 1900–1914 are taken from the summaries appended to the Annual Returns presented to Parliament. Prior to 1898 the Returns did not contain summaries, and the earlier figures asked for could not be given without an expenditure of time and labour which I do not feel justified in asking my officers to undertake at the present time:—
| 1900 | … | 189 | 1908 | … | 166 |
| 1901 | … | 141 | 1909 | … | 320 |
| 1902 | … | 156 | 1910 | … | 347 |
| 1903 | … | 142 | 1911 | … | 334 |
| 1904 | … | 209 | 1912 | … | 397 |
| 1905 | … | 181 | 1913 | … | 409 |
| 1906 | … | 206 | 1914 | … | 262 |
| 1907 | … | 160 |
Shops Earlier Closing Order (Bookstalls)
asked the Home Secretary when he will bring railway bookstalls on the level or into line with regard to shops as far as compulsory closing is concerned?
The Early Closing Orders apply to railway bookstalls in the same way as to shops except that they contain a provision authorising the sale of periodicals and books after the closing hour from the bookstalls of such terminal and mainline stations as may be approved by the Secretary of State. A certain number of stations have been approved under this provision in order to meet the convenience of passengers, especially long-distance travellers, but they form only a small fraction of the total number. I see no reason to alter the existing arrangements at the present moment.
Railway Passenger Fares
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by commercial travellers owing to the withdrawal of the week-end railway ticket, the reduction in the weight of luggage carried, and the 60 per cent. increase in fares; and whether their special circumstances and the importance of their function in carrying on business during the War entitle them to more favourable conditions than those which are suitable and desirable in respect of the general public?
All these points have been put fully before the Board of Trade by deputations and otherwise, and have been very carefully considered. I fear I can add nothing to the reply given on the 12th February to questions by the hon. Members for the Houghton-le-Spring and Harborough Divisions, of which I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy.
Irish Cattle Trade (Transit)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that numerous complaints have been forwarded by the Irish Cattle Traders and Stock Owners' Association respecting the delay in the transit of live stock; whether he is aware that representations made to the Great Southern and Western Railway Company and also the Department of Agriculture in Ireland have had no amending effect; and whether he will make inquiry and take measures to prevent the depreciation and loss of scarce food through the carelessness of a carrying corporation?
If the hon. Gentleman will furnish me with particulars of the cases of delay he has in mind, I will look into the matter.
Diamond Export Committee
asked the President of the Board of Trade by whose authority one Leon Rozelaar, a young man of military age, affects to represent his father-in-law, Mr. Alfred Mosely, in his absence from the Diamond Export Committee, and to assist the latter when present to adjudicate on diamonds submitted to the Committee for passing; and whether he will give directions that the duties conferred by the War Trade Department upon the Diamond Export Committee should not be delegated to or performed by unauthorised persons?
The arrangement referred to was made with the consent of this Department in view of the pressure of work on the Diamond Exports Committee, particularly when Mr. Mosely is absent from the country on the business of the Committee.
Income Tax (Gratuities)
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the practice to consider gratuities, such as Christmas boxes, etc., as unearned income for the purpose of assessing Income Tax; and, if so, whether he will reconsider this in view of the number of workpeople who receive from their employers gratuities which are really part wages?
My right hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. All emoluments paid by employers to their employés, including gratuities such as Christmas boxes, etc., are assessable to Income Tax as earned income.
Old Age Pensions
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the Local Government Board allowed the appeals of the pension officers depriving Thomas Dunne, pensioner No. 560; Bernard Lynch, No. 2,231; Ellen Lynch, No. 2,488; Bridget Keating, No. 2,479; Catherine Conroy, No. 2,513; Mary M'Cann, No. 2,492; John Boylan, No. 2,426; Honoria Connor, No. 2,480; Robert Spain, No. 2,521; Christopher Lawlor, No. 2,432; Anne O'Reilly, No. 2,482; Peter Foley, No. 696; Annie Hayes, No. 323; Bridget Condron, No. 1,221; Anne Harmon, No. 1,351; and Catherine Morgan, No. 891, of their old age pensions, they having been in receipt of the same when admitted to the South Dublin Union Hospital on medical certificates and having received medical and surgical assistance pursuant to Section 3 of the Old Age Pensions Act; whether any inquiry was made by the Local Government Board or one of their medical inspectors before the hearing of the appeal; and whether the Local Government Board had before them and whether they considered the resolution of the borough committee allowing the pensions when they made an order declaring that they did not come within Section 3 of the Old Age Pensions Act?
I am sending the hon. Member copy of a circular which sets out the principles on which the Local Government Board acted in dealing with the pensioners referred to, and which is similar to one issued in England. The pensioners had been in the workhouse for periods varying from nine to twenty months at the time of the decisions in their cases. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
Stewart Estate (County Donegal)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners consider it part of their duty to inquire into statements, for which a Member of this House assumes responsibility, to the effect that considerable portions of untenanted lands on a very small estate recently distributed by them were almost immediately lot to adjoining farmers who already hold large farms; and whether a statement that they have no information as to such allegations is to be taken as a discharge of their duties under Statute and to the public, in view of the fact that, owing to the holdings being allotted to only a small number of persons, the case, namely, Sir Harry Stewart's estate, county Donegal, could be investigated with extreme ease?
The Estates Commissioners make inquiries whenever they are furnished with the necessary particulars to enable them to identify the cases in which inquiry is desired or may be necessary. The inquiries which are being made as regards the Stewart estate, county Donegal, would be facilitated if the hon. Member would inform the Commissioners of the particular cases in which he wishes inquiry made.
King V M'loughlin (Expenses)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will now state the total amount of law costs and other expenses incurred by each side in the case of the King (Local Government Board and Maurice Cosgrove) v. M'Loughlin, clerk of the Clonmel Asylum Committee, in which the Court of Appeal in Ireland held that a certain Order of the Local Government Board for Ireland was ultra vires; whether any of those costs and expenses have been or will be paid out of public funds; and, if so, under what head?
The costs of the Local Government Board in the case of the King (Local Government Board and Maurice Cosgrove) v. McLoughlin, clerk of the Clonmel Asylum Committee, amount to £233 8s. 1d. Particulars of the defendant's costs have not yet been furnished. The costs of both sides will be paid out of the Board's Vote.
Trained School Teachers (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the number of teachers trained during the sessions 1914–16 that are not at present permanently employed by the National Board; the number of teachers that the Board sanctions annually for a course at the university; and the total amount annually spent on the training of teachers in Ireland?
Five hundred and eight King's scholars successfully completed a two years' course of training in July, 1916, and of this number 331 are permanently employed in national schools. The Commissioners of National Education have no definite information as to the remaining 177, but a considerable number of them have been serving as substitutes, and it is probable that, since the receipt of the latest returns further permanent appointments have been made. The average number of teachers admitted to a third year course of training—involving attendance at university lectures—during the past five years was twenty-six. The amount spent in the training of national school teachers in the year 1915–16 was £65,727.
Waterford Model National Schools
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the average attendance at the Waterford model national schools for the year ended 31st December, 1916; what was the total expenditure from all State sources for the year ended 31st December, 1916, in connection with these schools; why is an exception made in the case of the teacher of the Waterford boys' model national school by paying him first-of-first grade salary, seeing that the average attendance does not warrant that grade; under what conditions was the Rev. C. W. Greenstreet, Rector of St. Patrick's, Waterford, employed during the school year ended 30th June, 1916, to teach Latin and French for four hours per week to the pupils attending the Waterford boys' model national school, and under what conditions is this clergyman still employed; and what was the amount of school fees paid for Latin and French in the Waterford boys' model national school during the school year ended 30th June, 1916, and to whom were the fees paid?
The average attendance at the Waterford model school for the year ended 31st December, 1916, was 25.3 in the boys' department, and 38.9 in the girls' department, and the expenditure from State sources in connection with the schools was £692 17s. 5½d. The principal teacher of the boys' department was employed by the Commissioners of National Education as a sub-organiser of science from 14th January, 1901, to 31st March, 1905, when he was appointed as a model school teacher on the abolition of his post as sub-organiser. His present salary is based on his earnings as a principal teacher for the three, years ending 31st March, 1900, under special Treasury sanction, and it is not dependent on the average attendance in the school in which he is serving. The Commissioners have not sanctioned any arrangement under which the Rev. C. W. Greenstreet, Rector of St Patrick's, Waterford, was employed to teach Latin and French to pupils attending the model school. The amount of the fees paid to the head master in respect of Latin and French was £3 6s. 3d.