into effect. (4) Large numbers of names Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether in of persons for employment on the works the electoral divisions of Cranford and have been forwarded by the local clergy, Loughkeel, in the Milford Union, which but it is not considered necessary, at are scheduled as congested districts, any present, to increase the number of persons employed on these works. (5) relief works will be opened to enable the If it should be found necessary to extend people to live through the privations they the relief works in this union the matter are now enduring, brought on by the will be at once reported to Government. failure of the potato crop and other such I may say, in answer to my hon. Friend, causes, and which threaten, if no who has asked me a good many questions remedial measures be adopted by the very naturally on the condition of the Government, to become yet more serious people in this district, that I have in a very short space of time? directed special reports to be ready for MR. J. MORLEY: The Local Govme when I go over to Ireland next week. ernment Board are informed by their MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN: Will the Inspector that there is not, at present, right hon. Gentleman give some special any abnormal distress in the electoral consideration to the list of names I have given him on this subject?

MR. J. MORLEY: I would rather not give any undertaking of that kind until I have actually seen the inspectors who were on the spot, and who, therefore, know how matters stood.

divisions mentioned in the question. The Inspector is now making further inquiries into the condition of the people, and will report at once if any special measures require to be adopted to relieve any distress that may exist. He has also been supplied with the list of persons referred to in the question of my hon. and learned Friend the Member for East Donegal.

MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN: I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received lists of families in great distress, MR. A. O'CONNOR: I beg to ask namely, 86 families in Aughamore parish the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieuand 68 families in Loughanboy; and tenant of Ireland, whether the Local whether, in considering the cases of these Government Board have received repeople, the priests and the poor law presentations from the Guardians of Guardians of these districts will be Stranorlar Union, that to relieve the consulted?

MR. J. MORLEY: I have received the lists referred to, and have sent them to the Local Government Board for immediate inquiry. The Inspector is already, I understand, in communication with the clergy of this district on the subject of the relief operations.

distress existing within it by additional poor rate would be impracticable, by reason of the poverty of the ratepayers, and that without help it is impossible for many families to subsist till harvest time, and that there are within the Union several partly formed roads which are useless in their present condition; and what answer the Local Government Board have given, or intend to give to these representations?

MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.): I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the resolutions of the Milford Board of Guardians with reference to the distress existing in their district and the need of relief works there; whether the names of 300 persons in Cranford and Loughkeel electoral divisions have been sent to the Local Government Board Inspector, all of whom are in extreme destitution; whether the above named electoral divisions are scheduled as congested; of out-door relief and the rates are low; and what the Local Government Board intend to do in the matter?

MR. T. D. SULLIVAN (Donegal, W.): I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Mr. J. Morley.

MR. J. MORLEY: A Resolution of the Guardians of this Union to the effect stated has been received. The Local Government Board understand that there are a number of poor families in the Union who have suffered from the failure of the potato crop and who may require assistance shortly. At the present time, however, there are only three persons in the entire Union in receipt

and so far as the Local Government Board can see, the resources of the Poor Law should suffice to deal with any cases of distress that have arisen.

path.

TRAINING SHIP IN IRISH WATERS. has been received of any attempt to inMR. E. M'HUGH: On behalf of the terfere with the coast guard using the hon. Member for North Donegal (Mr. J. Mains): I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, if he has considered the expediency of having one of Her Majesty's training ships for boys in Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly during part of the year?

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSON, Dundee): Lough Swilly is included among the Ports which will be visited by the Northampton during her present cruise. CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.): I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, if he can say what ship it is proposed to station for training purposes at Queenstown, and when she may be expected there ?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON : No conclusion has yet been arrived at, as to which training ship will stationed at Queenstown. nor of date at which she will be sent.

be

the

ADMIRALTY RIGHTS AT HOWTH.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.): I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, what steps will be taken by the Admiralty to preserve the right of way

round the sea coast from Sutton to

THE ECCLESIASTICAL

COMMIS

SIONERS AND ALLOTMENTS. MR. F. S. STEVENSON (Suffolk, Eye): I beg to ask the Comptroller_of the Household, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether, in Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in accordance with the precedent set by the 1894, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners will consider the desirability of inquiring, by means of a Departmental Comthe facilities for the granting of agriculmittee, into the best means of extending tural allotments upon the estates under their control, and into the applicability thereto of provisions of the Local Government Act 1894, and into other like matters appertaining to the subject.

*THE COMPTROLLER OF THE

HOUSEHOLD (MR. G. LEVESONGOWER, Stoke-upon-Trent): The Estates Committee, which is charged with the management of the property under the control of the Ecclesiastical Com

missioners, holds its meetings weekly. For some years past it has been made Commissioners are possessed of agriculknown, in the parishes in which the Howth, on which the coastguards and tural property, that they are desirous of revenue preventive service have patrolled affording all reasonable facilities for the at all times; is he aware that a gentle acquisition of allotments by the labourman who has recently bought property ing population. A large number of allotat Sutton is seeking, in the Land ments have been provided, and many Judges' Court, to abolish all rights of negotiations with District and Parish Councils are pending at the present way along the coast over his land; and time. will the Government be represented in Court to resist any encroachments on the immemorial user of Her Majesty's officers and the public?

MR. W. KENNY (Dublin, St. Stephen's Green) asked, whether, having

MR. CYRIL DODD asked, whether similar facilities would also be afforded to small shopkeepers who often wanted allotments?

*MR. LEVESON-GOWER: That is

consideration.

TELEGRAPH AND POSTAL FACILITIES

TO LEWIS.

regard to the fact that this question of certainly a question that will receive right of way was now the subject of legal proceedings, it was desirable in the interests of justice, that the matter should be the subject of discussion in this House? MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON: Of MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Crocourse, it would be undesirable to dis- marty): I beg to ask the Postmaster cuss in this House any question which General if he will state what sums have is sub judice. In answer to the ques- been expended each year since 1885 on tion on the Paper, the Dublin Board telegraph extensions and increased of Works have been requested to take all postal facilities respectively in the necessary steps to preserve the Ad niralty Western Mainland of Ross-shire and in rights in the matter. No information the Island of Lewis?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. ARNOLD MORLEY, Nottingham, E): The information desired by the hon. Member is being prepared, and shall be communicated to him.

ISLAND OF MATACONG.

*MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis): Before the cession of the island was any reservation of the then existing proprietary rights made by this country? SIR EDWARD GREY: The cession was made 20 years ago; but I will inquire into the point.

LONDON WATER SUPPLY.

MR. J. BIGWOOD (Middlesex, Brentford): I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that many suburban consumers of water living outside the London area, and supplied by London water companies, are still without a water supply in consequence of the frost acting upon inefficiently laid mains, he would be disposed to introduce legislation affording protection to these people, or

SIR G. BADEN-POWELL: I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Island of Matacong (West Coast of Africa) was ceded by Great Britain to France under a Convention made in 1882 and ratified in 1889; whether private proprietary rights over the island were at the time of cession, and had for a long time been, owned by an English trading firm, to whom no notice was given of the cession, and whose representative on the island in September, 1891, was taken prisoner at least extending to them the right to and taken from the island by an armed force; whether the French Government expressed their willingness to make full inquiry, and whether they have now communicated their decision as to the validity of the title of the said English firm (the proofs of which were demanded and handed in in June 1893); and, if so, what is their decision; and, whether Her Majesty's Government will indemnify the said English proprietors for the serious damage to their property and business resulting from many years' companies from ratepayers within the forced suspension of private proprietary area. rights ?

demand an inquiry, which is at present possessed by the householders in the more central districts of the Metropolis?

MR. G. J. SHAW LEFEVRE: It appears to me that the same remedies should be given to consumers outside the London area supplied by the London water companies as to those within. But, before taking any action in this direction, it will be necessary to see what is the result of the inquiries in respect of the complaints against the water

GAS CYLINDERS.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN :

SIR EDWARD GREY: By the Convention of 1882 Great Britain recognised the Island of Matacong as belonging to On behalf of the hon. Member for South France. That Convention was never Birmingham, Mr. J. PoWELL WILLIAMS, ratified, but has been treated by both I beg to ask the Secretary of State parties as binding. Private proprietary rights over the island dating prior to 1882 are claimed by an English firm. Their representative claimed rights which were considered inconsistent with the French sovereign rights, and was removed from the island by the French Authorities. The question has been repeatedly brought before the French Government, who have stated that the validity of the titles must be proved before the local tribunals, as titles of an anterior date are said to exist, or that the question should go to arbitration. The latter alternative has been refused by the British firm. The case is not one in which an indemnity should be paid by Her Majesty's Government.

for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a recent case of death caused by the explosion of a gas cylinder at Fenchurch Street Station, and to the recommendation of the coroner's jury that gas cylinders should be subjected to a Government test, and should be stamped showing that they are capable of resisting the pressure of the gases which they contain; and whether he will take steps, in the interests of public safety and of a large and growing industry, to carry out the the recommendation of the jury?

MR. ASQUITH: I have already answered a question upon this subject, and have received a report from an expert upon the matter. I intend to invite

which I have stated, to re-introduce the measure at present, but I have no doubt they will do so as soon as they consider that it can be passed with due regard to the state of public opinion in India.

further expert inquiry. It is reported to no reason to think that the Government me as most probable that the explosion of India propose, in the circumstances was not due to an imperfectly welded cylinder, but was caused by the ignition of an explosive mixture which no cylinder would stand, however perfectly it had been tested. I will, however, request those who are to be consulted upon this question to inquire how far the Government test would be a safeguard, and I will carefully consider the suggestion thrown out by the hon. Member.

LABOURERS' COTTAGES IN STRABANE
UNION.

MR. J. A. RENTOUL (Down, E.): I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland will he exTHE INDIAN PROCEDURE BILL. plain on what grounds the Local GovernMR. W. M'LAREN (Cheshire, Crewe): ment Board have sanctioned the erection I beg to ask the Secretary of State for of two labourers' cottages on the farm India with regard to the Bill called the of John Finlay, Tulleyrap, in the union Procedure Bill, which has recently been of Strabane, although there are already before the Supreme Legislative Council four cottier tenants living in houses on of India, which proposed, among other Mr. Finlay's farms, and eight farms all things to give the Courts power to situated within half a mile of Mr. prevent decrees for restitution of con- Finlay's farm, several of them as large jugal rights being enforced by the im- as his, upon the whole of which there is prisonment of the wife, will he explain a single labourer's dwelling, though there why the Government abandoned this are empty labourers' houses upon four of clause, which was supported by many these farms? members and only opposed by three, one of whom was the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal; whether the present law that any wife in India, even though she be a child, may be imprisoned for not living with her husband has only been in force for about 18 years; and whether the Government will again introduce the proposed reform into the Supreme plates making a Scheme for the erection Legislative Council and endeavour to carry it?

THE UNDER SECRETARY or STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GEORGE RUSSELL, North Beds, in the absence of Mr. H. H. FOWLER): This clause was unanimously struck out by a Seclect Committee of seven members, four of whom were natives of India, on the ground that the country was not yet ripe for such a change; and a motion to restore it was lost in the Legilsative Council by 15 votes to 2. Under the present law a wife cannot be imprisoned until the Court has heard and considered all objections raised by her, and I am advised that a plea of childhood, if established, would lead to the dismissal of the suit. It is the case that imprisonment in these suits was not prescribed by law until 18 years ago, but I believe that other methods, not less objectionable, of enforcing conjugal rights were in force before that time. I have

MR. J. MORLEY: No scheme for the erection of labourers' cottages in the townland mentioned has yet been sanctioned by the Local Government Board. An Inspector of the Board has, however, been appointed to carry out the Acts in the Union (the Guardians having declined to do so), and I understand he contem

of 13 cottages in five electoral divisions. Two of the proposed cottages are intended to be built in the townland mentioned; but before the erection of any of them can be sanctioned by the Local Government Board there must be a Local Inquiry held in the matter by another Inspector, at which all the owners and occupiers of lands proposed to be acquired will have an opportunity of offering objections to the Scheme. Of course, for any lands that may be ultimately taken, the persons interested will receive compensation, the amount of which, in case of disagreement, will be determined by an Arbitrator.

POSTAL FACILITIES AT FINTRAY,
ABERDEENSHIRE.

MR. T. R. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.): I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the fact that there is only a delivery of letters three times a week in

the northern part of the parish of Fintray, to the windows; whether he is prepared situated only ten miles from Aberdeen, to amend the article in Schedule VII., and close to two railways; whether fre- Article 11, of the Code, in order to prequent representations have been made to vent such injurious consequences; and him of the grave inconvenience thereby whether, having regard to the danger caused; and whether, by a re-arrange- arising from windows which swing, he ment of the postal deliveries or otherwise, is prepared to omit the provision in he will endeavour to secure to this dis- Schedule VII., Article 9 (b), which comtrict a daily delivery of letters? pels the construction of windows with a portion made to swing?

MR. ARNOLD MORLEY: This is a subject to which my hon. Friend himself directed my attention in October last. I stated then that I could not sanction a more frequent delivery in the district referred to, because the revenue from the letters barely covered half the expenditure incurred. I fear the circumstances are no more favourable now, but if my hon. Friend can suggest any arrangement of the deliveries which will meet the case without materially increasing the expense, I will give the suggestion my careful consideration.

THE LAND SLIP AT SANDGATE.

MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty): I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, if he will state why the coastguards' houses at Sandgate, which were rendered uninhabitable owing to the landslip which took place there two years ago, have neither been pulled down nor shored up; and whether steps will taken to deal with these structures without further delay ?

MR. EDWARD ROBERTSON: The delay in dealing with the houses in question arose on account of a consideration as to whether the Coastguard Station should be removed to another place. This has now been settled, and provision has been made in the Estimates for the present year for the erection of new houses.

THE AMERICAN AND SCOTCH MAILS.

MR. JOHN WILSON (Govan): I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, having arranged a special accele rated train to carry the American mails per Etruria to London, he will in future arrange a similar train to convey the mails to Scotland, so that letters may be delivered in time to be answered by the outgoing steamer?

I am

SIR F. S. POWELL: I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether his attention has been directed to the incon- MR. ARNOLD MORLEY: venience and danger to health likely to afraid the amount of correspondence for arise from the provision in Schedule Scotland would scarcely warrant the VII. of the New Code for ventilation by establishment of a special service similar enlarged inlets and outlets in addition to that for London; but, apart from Mr. T. R. Buchanan.