asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to state what action the Government has taken, on each of the recommendations of the First Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure?

issued the following statement:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the position of the First Lord of the Admiralty, whose salary has hitherto been paid by the Railway Committee; and whether he will in the forthcoming Estimates place his salary on the Votes and allow any surplus now payable above the usual salary to be paid by the Railway Committee?

It has been arranged that a nominal sum shall be included in the Navy Estimates for next year in respect of the salary of the First Lord of the Admiralty, in order that hon. Members may, if they think fit, move a reduction in Supply.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take the occasion of the Vote of Credit to give the House full information as to the public indebtedness of other countries to this country and of this country to other countries, especially stating the War obligations imposed since 1st December, 1916?

I cannot undertake to give the detailed information asked for.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the pro- gress and recommendations, if any, of the Juvenile Organisations Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether This Committee is to be continued?

This is a standing Committee of representatives of the leading organisations concerned in providing occupation and recreation for children and young people in their spare time. The work of such organisations is one of the most effective methods of checking juvenile delinquency, and this Committee was formed for the purpose of consultation as to methods of extending and improving such work. I am kept informed of the Committee's proceedings, but there has not hitherto been any occasion for them to make any formal Report. Since June the full Committee has held three sittings and there have been nine meetings of Subcommittees. Six members have been added, one to fill a vacany caused by death and the others as representing additional, societies and departments interested in the subjects coming before the Committee. No salaries are paid in connection with the work of the Committee, and, as their meetings are held at the Home Office, there are no expenses in respect of rent, rates, or taxes. Except for two small leaflets now in proof, there has been no printing, and the cost of postage and stationery cannot be separated from the general Home Office expenses. The total expense is extremely small. The Committee is doing useful work, and will be continued.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Central Colliery Recruiting Court; how many sittings this Court has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Court, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether he proposes to perpetuate this Court?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Central Colliery Recruiting Court is mainly a Court of appeal from the decisions of the local Courts, and it has not been necessary for it to present any report. Seven sittings have been held within the last six months. There has been no change in personnel except that the representative nominated by the Recruiting Department has been changed from time to time. There are no salaries. A room in a Government office is lent for the Court's sittings, and the expenditure incurred is trifling—about £10 during the last twelve months. It is necessary that the Court should continue in existence.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Canal Control Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The Canal Control Committee was appointed by the Board of Trade to control on their behalf certain canals, of which possession has been taken by the board under the Defence of the Realm Regulations with a view to the canals being used in the national interest. The Chairman of the Committee is in constant communication with the Board of Trade, and information as to the progress and recommendations of the Committee are received from time to time. Since their appointment in March last the Committee has held twenty-two meetings, and one additional member has been appointed. The Chairman of the Committee attends several hours every day to the work of the Committee. As the Committee has not been in existence for a year, I am unable to state the annual cost, but, including the expenses of three Sub-committees, one in the north, one in the Midlands, and one in the south, it is anticipated that the present annual expenditure, apart from the cost of offices, stationery, and postal arrangements, will not exceed £5,000 a year. It is proposed that the Committee shall continue its work.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Commission on Railways; how many sittings this Commission has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Commission during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Commission, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Commission is to be continued?

The sittings of the Royal Commission on Railways were suspended in January, 1915, and no cost is now being incurred by the State in connection with it.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Electric Power Supply Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

The Electric Power Supply Committee have not made a Report up to the present. They have sat on twenty-two days during the past six months, and during that period one member has resigned and five additions have been made to the Committee. The Committee meet at the Board of Trade, and the members receive no salaries. The secretary is a Civil servant, and he receives no additional remuneration for acting as secretary to this Committee. There is some small cost to the State on account, of printing, stationery, travelling and other incidental expenses. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Port and Transit Executive Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Reports with recommendations have been constantly made by the Port and Transit Executive Committee to the Prime Minister. The Committee has met once a week since its reconstitution and sixteen meetings have been held during the last six months. A standing Sub-Committee meets daily. During the last six months there has been one death amongst the members. Sir Norman Hill has been appointed Chairman vice Lord Inchcape, resigned, and twelve new members have been appointed. The estimated cost falling upon public funds for the year 1918–1919 is £795 10s. There is no intention at present to disband the Committee, which has rendered services of the utmost value to the State.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Road Locomotives and Heavy Motor Cars Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I have not at present received the Committee's Report. A Sub-Committee appointed to consider a draft preliminary Report has held several meetings during the past six months. No change has taken place in the personnel of the Committee during that period. I am unable to give the hon. Member information as to the annual cost of the Committee, but its total ascertained expenditure up to the present is £449 16s. 7d. It is not proposed to discontinue the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Aliens; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Committee was appointed in May, 1915, and has reported in regard to over 1,600 cases. Meetings are held when required, the last having taken place in August, but most of the work is carried on by the circulation of papers. Lord Anderson was appointed Chairman in June, in succession to the late Lord Dewar. Apart from a trifling amount for stationery and postage, the total cost of the Committee up to date has been £21. The Committee still continue to place their valuable services at the disposal of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Advisory Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Advisory Committee referred to was appointed to advise the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department upon individual application for assistance under the scheme administered by the Department. For the purpose of accelerating the work the Committee has been divided into panels, which meet frequently. There have been no changes in the personnel of the Committee. No special cost is incurred by the Advisory Committee apart from the expenses of the Department. The members of the Advisory Committee have rendered most valuable assistance, and it is hoped that they will continue to give their services to the Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that recently a man named Emrys Jenkins, who was a shoemaker, was called up under the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act, 1917, and classified B1, that he then immediately went to work at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Hafod; that he was not entered on the Colliery Registration Forms 18 or 20; and that, in spite of This fact, a Syndicalist named Cooke, miners' agent at the colliery, went to the local military authorities at Pontypridd, Glamorgan, and threatened them with trouble at the colliery if they insisted upon taking Jenkins; whether these facts have been reported to the military authorities; and, if so, why proceedings have not been taken against Cooke under the Defence of the Realm Act?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Inquiries are being made into this case, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his attention has been called to the almost complete shortage of sugar complained of in the Fermoy and Mallow Unions; and will any steps be taken to apply a remedy?

The matter is under investigation, and steps will be taken to effect any adjustment of supplies required.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that difficulty is being experienced in obtaining whisky in the Bournemouth area; and whether he will consider the possibility of arranging for invalids to be provided with whisky provided the application is accompanied by a doctor's certificate?

I have been asked to reply. I am not aware that the scarcity of whisky is more actuely felt in the Bournemouth area than in other districts. Arrangements have been made for additional supplies to be provided for hospital patients where the application is accompanied by a medical certificate, but I fear that it would not be practicable to extend this concession to invalids generally.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he proposes to take a further census of live-stock; and, if so, in view of the fact that such a census has already been taken by the Board of Agriculture, and to avoid duplication of officials and returns, and the imposition of further clerical burdens on the farmers, he will avail himself of the existing information?

A census of live stock was taken jointly on behalf of the Board of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food on 2nd December last. The previous census, taken by the Board in June last, is now out of date. No further census will be taken until necessity arises. The hon. Member's suggestion that there has been overlapping between the Departments is incorrect.

asked if it is proposed at an early date, in view of the shortage of milk and the fact that the present distribution of artificial feeding stuffs is inadequate and fortuitous, to take over these stuffs and, in conjunction with and subject to the approval of the Board of Agriculture, to issue them in monthly rations to the producers of milk and beef, giving a preference to dairy over beef stock, and taking into account, as between dairy farms, the number of cows and monthly yield on and from each such farm?

The raw materials used in the manufacture of feeding cakes have already been taken over, and the out-put of crushing mills has been requisitioned. A scheme for the supply and distribution of cattle feeding-stuffs is now being prepared in conjunction with the Board of Agriculture; it involves a system of rationing, under which priority will be given to dairy cattle.

asked whether the recent order restricting the price of offals and other feeding-stuffs has been suspended; and what are now the prices fixed for offals of foreign and home-grown wheat respectively.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Order fixing maximum prices for offals ground from both foreign and home grown wheat is still in force, and the prices are as follows:

asked what has been the effect of the recent Meat Prices Order, and the number of cows and heifers which have been slaughtered for meat since its issue?

The effect of the Order has been to reduce the wholesale and retail prices of meat, which had risen to an unwarrantable extent during the first half of the present year. There are no figures available which enable me to state with accuracy the number of cows and heifers slaughtered since the Order was issued, but the rise in the consumption of meat since August does not appear appreciably to exceed the normal seasonal rise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, as part of any scheme for compulsory rationing of the population, he will consider, with a view to economy and the best use of labour, foodstuffs, and coal, the establishment in large centres of population and urban districts of communal kitchens, at any rate for the children?

The matter is already engaging the attention of the Food Controller.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that it takes, approximately, 2 gallons of milk to make 1 lb. of butter and 1 gallon of milk to make 1 lb. of cheese; and what are the prices fixed by the Ministry of Food for milk per gallon to the producer, butter and cheese, respectively?

The amount of milk necessary to make a pound of butter varies with the quality of butter fat in the milk used; 2½ gallons is the figure generally taken as an average. It takes, approximately, one gallon of milk to make a pound of cheese. The prices fixed by the Food Controller to the producer are as follows: 1s. 9d. per gallon of milk from 1st December, 1917, to 31st March, 1918. Home-produced butter from 230s. per cwt. in bulk to 248s. 8d. per cwt. in ½—lb. Rolls—that is, from approximately 2s. 0¾d. per lb. to approximately 2s. 2¾d. The production of British cheese has now practically ceased for the winter, but before the maximum price is fixed for next season the ratio between the price of milk and that of cheese will be carefully considered.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what was the statutory requirement of tillage last season for Mr. Colley, Oberstown, Screen, county Meath; to what extent they were complied with; and whether he will consider the advisability in the public interest of advising the enactment of an Order precluding those who have not by tillage helped the production of food from acquiring more land?

As I have already stated in reply to previous questions, the Department of Agriculture do not consider it would be desirable in the public interest to furnish particulars as to individual cases dealt with under the compulsory tillage provisions of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Whenever occupiers are found to have failed, without reasonable cause, to comply with the Regulations, steps will be taken to secure the requisite cultivation. There is no power to make such an Order as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the the wording of the verdict in the court-martial for the loss of the destroyer H.M.S. "Mary Rose" on the occasion of the loss of the Norwegian convoy; and, in view of the insufficient official account hitherto given, whether he will bring out more fully the manner in which Commander Fox and his crew fought until their ship sank, and the length of time they contended against overwhelming gunfire?

The court-martial has been held, but the Minutes have not yet been received, and consequently have not been reviewed by the Admiralty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there is any Regulation to prevent a soldier having the assistance of a friend when accused before a field-general court-martial; and whether instructions are in force under which such assistance is almost universally given to any soldier who is tried for an offence to which the death penalty is applicable?

As the question is important, I would repeat an answer which I gave on 31st October. It is not the duty of any officer to defend an officer or man charged with an offence before a court-martial. The right of an accused to be represented by counsel, or an officer having the same rights as counsel at general or district courts-martial, are laid down in Rules of Procedure 87–94. At field-general courts-martial an accused has no right of representation; but, in practice, this is generally accorded whenever possible. If an accused charged with a grave offence before any court-martial desires to be represented, and finds a difficulty in securing an officer for the purpose, on application by the accused, endeavours would be made to secure a suitable officer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has any information as to the pre- sent whereabouts or fate of Private P. M'Donald, S. Company, 4th platoon, of the South Irish Horse, who was last heard from as serving in France; whether he is returned as dead, wounded, missing, or prisoner; and, if the latter, is there any hope of release at a near date?

No report of any casualty has been received, and as far as is known he is with his unit. If my hon. Friend has any information to the contrary, I should be glad to have it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the military, on the occasion of the outbreak in Dublin in Easter week, 1916, seized and appropriated a consignment of salmon from Mr. P. J. Smith, Mornington, Drogheda, to his salesman in Dublin; that their doing so at Amiens Street Station, Dublin, was supported by the affidavit of a reliable witness; and that the claim was rejected by Sir William Goulding's committee on the ground that it was outside the scope of their duties; and whether he will have inquiries made and, if satisfied of the justice of the case, compensate Mr. Smith, who cannot afford to bear the loss?

I am making inquiries into this matter and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will state the increase per cent, in pay, including bonus, granted to employés of the Army Ordnance Department since the outbreak of war at Woolwich, Dublin, and Carrickfergus, respectively; whether, in view of the almost flat rate for housing and food now existing, he will state the reason for the difference which exists in the pay of men doing similar work in different localities; and whether he is able to state that in all three cases these men are in receipt of similar wages to those paid by civilian firms in the same locality for similar work and responsibility?

The percentage increases on the wages of the lowest-paid class are 68 per cent., 31.8 per cent., and 21 per cent, respectively. These wages are determined in accordance with the terms of the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House, and in each case reflect the prevailing local rates.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether an application for an increase of wages has been received from the civilian employés at the Imperial Ordnance Depot at Shorncliffe; when an answer is likely to be given; and whether he is aware of the fact that on the present wage of 24s. a week and war bonus of 4s. per week the families of some of the men concerned are in a state of semi-starvation?

A further increase has now been authorised, with effect from the 1st October last, and will be announced at once.

asked whether the estate of the lates James M'Cannon, No. 65,553, 76th Battery Royal Garrison Artillery, is yet estimated; and, if so, what amount is due to the estate from Army funds?

I am unable to trace the death of any soldier whose regimental particulars agree with those furnished in this question, but I am making further inquiries. If my hon. Friend has any information in his possession I should be glad if he would send it to me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he intends taking steps to remove the injustice by which officers on the establishment of the British Battalions in India who happened to be home on furlough at the outbreak of the War and posted to units of the new Army, are now only drawing home rates of pay, while their brother officers of the same battalions still receive Indian rates of pay although also serving in this country or in France?

An officer at home on leave is always liable to be posted to any unit in which his services are necessary in the public interest, at the rate of pay appropriate to that unit. Officers who came from India with their battalions continue to receive Indian rates of pay in accordance with a pledge given to this House. In view of the duration of the War they have been very fortunate in this respect. The whole subject, which is full of difficulty, has recently been reconsidered by the Army Council, and it has been decided that in view of the promise made in this House no change should be made in the present practice.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the Regulation under which a soldier who enlists at such an early age as to prevent him from contributing to the support of his mother previous to his enlistment is debarred from separation allowance is frequently the cause of great hardship; and whether cases in which such sons become the only support owing to their elder brothers becoming casualties, can receive special consideration?

The cases of hardship to which the hon. Member refers are covered, to some extent, by Regulation 9 ( b ) of Part II. of the Regulations of the Special Grants Committee. The Regulation is, however, unsatisfactory, and I hope to be in a position to announce an extension of its scope at an early date.

asked the Minister of Munitions why the repeated applications of James Maguire, Navan, county Meath, for a permit to get carbide to be used for public purposes has been persistently refused?

The only application from Mr. James Maguire of which any trace can be found in the Ministry of Munitions was made in August last, and was for a supply of calcium carbide, required, apparently, for the lighting of a hotel and of some shops. In view of the serious shortage of this material, which is urgently required for war purposes, it has been necessary for some time past to refuse all applications for calcium carbide merely for purposes of illumination.

asked the Postmaster-General at what office, at what time, and by whom the telegram dated the 2nd November and addressed to Private Jones, Capel Gwyn, Festiniog, was handed in; to what offices it was transmitted, and at what address it was wrongly delivered; and whether any notification of wrongful delivery was made by the Post Office to the senders?

The telegram addressed to Private Jones, Festiniog, was one of a batch of twenty-nine similar messages, and was handed in by a private soldier at the Church Road, Barnes, Post Office at 8 p.m. on th 2nd of November. It is stated to have been sent to the Central Tlegraph Office, London, but no trace of its receipt there can be found, and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it can only be assumed that it was lost at this stage and that it failed to be delivered either to the addressee or any other person. The question of notification of wrongful delivery did not, therefore, arise.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether any representatives of the Association of Poor Law Unions in England and Wales have been appointed on the Sub-committee of the Reconstruction Committee to consider and report on the steps to be taken to ensure the better co-ordination of public assistance in England and Wales and other matters affecting the system of local government; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that this association represents by direct election 556 unions and a population of over 34 millions, the Government will appoint some representatives of this association on the Sub-committee?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the Member for the New Forest Division on the 6th December, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether any steps have been taken by his Department with a view to controlling or otherwise dealing with the trade in alcohol during the period of transition which will elapse between the close of the War and the resumption of normal conditions throughout the country?

The existing law provides for the continuance of the control of intoxicating liquor after the cessation of hostilities, and no occasion has as yet arisen for action being taken in the matter by the Ministry of Reconstruction.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will obtain copies of the pamphlet lately published in Germany with official support advocating polygamy, and place a copy in the Library?

I will endeavour to obtain copies of the pamphlet apparently referred to, and place them in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has official information that food-stuffs, especially potatoes, are being sent from Germany to Sweden?

Several statements have recently appeared in the Swedish Press regarding expected imports of foodstuffs from Germany, including potatoes; a small quantity of sugar is reported to have actually arrived. I have no further information on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that he has explained the purport of Clause 15 of the treaty made with Italy antecedent to Italy's entry in the War, he will approach the French, Russian, and Italian Governments for their consent to the text of this treaty being published?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Government has informed the Allies or this country of the terms proposed for an armistice between Russia and Germany; whether the terms include the evacuation by Germany of the islands of the Moon Sound and that no German troops should be transferred to other fronts; and whether he has information that these terms have been accepted?

M. Trotsky has informed the Allied representatives in Petrograd that the terms proposed are as published by him in the "News of the Central Executive Committee," but I have no information as to whether they have been accepted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the names of those who have been appointed to the Advisory Committee to inquire into the question of cement?

The gentlemen who have consented to form the Committee to inquire into the question of the export of cement to Holland are:

asked whether the Government is in accord with the recently stated policy of President Wilson that there is no wish in any way to impair or to rearrange the Austro-Hungarian Empire?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply returned yesterday to the hon. Member for Blackburn.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if any further steps have been taken with a view to carrying out the agreement made between Germany and England for the exchange and repatriation of civilian prisoners, especially those who were interned in Ruhleben in the early days of the War?

I regret that, as stated in my answer to the hon. and gallant Member for Southampton on the 3rd instant, a hitch has occurred in the carrying out of The Hague Agreement. I am in hope that the difficulty is in course of settlement, but I can say nothing definite at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that on 8th February, 1908, 26th April, 1908, 19th September, 1908, 7th November, 1908, 30th April, 1909, and 21st March, 1910, Mr. Newell, late inspector of national schools, wrote to the National Education Office an appeal for restoration of rank and salary and asked it to be brought specially before the full Board, and that his depression in both the preceding respects had been brought about by two false, secret, and malicious reports of September, 1906, and January, 1907, as Mr. Newell, since his enforced resignation in May, 1910, has discovered; and if he will say by what authority the resident Commissioner withheld from the Board itself the six letters referred to?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin on the 3rd December as to the case of Mr. Newell.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the students in De La Salle Training College, Waterford, went out on strike recently on the grounds of the inadequacy and inferior quality of the food which they were receiving; that when they returned they found the college doors locked against them; that as a result the students were obliged to spend four days in the streets of Waterford without the knowledge of their parents; whether the college is allowed £50 yearly for the upkeep of the students; considering the circumstance that, if the students committed a breach of the rules in going out on strike, the majority of them were under age, whether the responsible authorities after locking them out communicated with their parents or guardians, or made any inquiries to ascertain how the students subsisted while they were excluded from the college; and whether any measures are being taken to prevent a repetition of such treatment in the case of young students away from home?

I am informed that 155 students left the De La Salle Training College, Waterford, at 9 a.m. on 24th October last in a body without having previously submitted their grievances to the principal, and without furnishing any reason other than that contained in an unsigned list of "demands" pinned to the notice board of the study hall. The first direct communication to the principal was a telegram, stating that unless these demands were conceded the students were going home. The principal refused to entertain any demands until the students returned to the college unconditionally. The food question was only one of several subjects of complaint. There were others with regard to fortnightly concerts and football matches. The dietary scale submitted to the Commissioners of National Education shows that the quantity supplied is quite ample. The college authorities state that the food was satisfactory in quality. The fact that the students were four days absent from the college was entirely their own fault. An allowance of £50 yearly for maintenance is granted as stated in the question. As to the last part of the question, the students themselves were entirely responsible for their exclusion from the college, and the Commissioners have taken measures which they consider will be likely to prevent any repetition of such an occurrence.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any steps have been taken by the Irish Government to give representation to Westmeath county on the visiting justices committee to Mountjoy Prison; and whether, in view of the promise recently made by the right hon. Gentleman to the hon. Member for South Westmeath, if something has not already been done, he will see that steps are immediately taken?

It was found impracticable to provide for elections of visiting justices for Mountjoy Prison to be made at the Summer Assizes by the Grand Juries of county Westmeath and the other counties affected by recent changes, but an Order will be issued dealing with the matter before the Spring Assizes next March.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what price the Estates Commissioners offered for the estate of Cullen, a minor, situated at Donore, Horseleap, Westmeath, known as Ballyhatten, or whether there is any possibility of the sale being closed in order that this ranch may be divided amongst the uneconomic holders in the district?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Westmeath on the 8th March. I cannot furnish particulars in regard to an offer which has not been accepted by the owner.

asked if the Commissioners have favourably considered the application of John Gavigan, an evicted tenant, residing at Ballinea, Westmeath, for a division of the Strattenstown ranch now in the hands of the Estates Commissioners?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the state of congestion which prevails in the district, he will direct the Estates Commissioners to apply their compulsory powers to secure the lands of Bawn, Maydew, county Longford, H. B. Armstrong estate, for immediate division amongst the applicants whose applications are filed in the Estates Commissioners' Office, Dublin.

Mr. Armstrong has instituted proceedings before the Estates Commissioners for the sale of his estate to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, but the property cannot be dealt with until it has been reached in its order of priority. The question of the acquisition of the lands referred to cannot be considered by the Commissioners until they are dealing with the estate.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Scottish Education Department, in its minute of 11th July, provides £10,000 per annum to supplement the pensions of teachers who are in receipt of less than £1 per week, it is the intention of the Government to make similar provision for teachers on pension in Ireland, some of whom are trying to live on less than £10 a year?

The increased scales of salaries for national school teachers in Ireland will involve a reconsideration of the scales of teachers' pensions, and the matter is engaging attention. I regret I cannot make any proposals with regard to existing pensions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will give an opportunity to discuss the grievance of the Irish national teachers as to salaries in comparison with teachers in England, and also as to the shortage in the equivalent Grant allocated to Ireland?

I am afraid that I cannot promise to find time for this discussion.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the motor boat by which occasional mails are delivered at Skerries, viâ Whalsay, is quite inadequate for the conveyance of fish, and that the inhabitants of Skerries find it impossible to obtain any income from their industry; and, in view of the fact that the islanders will guarantee £3 a trip for a fortnightly visit from a steamer, which would be made up to £5 by further subscriptions, and that the Northern Lighthouse Commissioner and the Post Office would assent, and also the Board of Agriculture, he will see if anything further oan be done?

I am informed that the motor boat is suitable for carrying fish from the Skerries, but that the fishermen have made no attempt to utilise her services, and I would suggest to my hon. Friend that he might consider the expediency of exerting his influence to induce them to do so.