maps of British India with reference to his friend were not sober when arrested. Section 55 of 21 and 22 Vict. c. 106, he The French Commandant told the

will give a list of all official maps of the whole of British India published for any purpose between the years 1853 and

1895 ?

*SIR E. GREY: If by official maps the hon. Baronet means maps published by the Government of India, a list of them (which, however, does not go further back than 1862) is accessible to the public in the Record Department of the India Office; and the Secretary of State does not think that useful purpose would any be served by giving a return on the subject.

Acting Consul that he would liberate the prisoner if the Acting Consul would send him out of the country. The man, who was destitute and had no chance of finding work in Tamatave, was accordingly sent to Mauritius on the 8th of March, and his passage paid by the Acting Consul. It is not stated that there was any ill-treatment.

EVICTIONS IN THE CROFTING
COUNTIES.

MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty): I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been

POPPY CULTIVATION IN BEHAR AND called to the fact that Charles Forbes Hodson Shaw Mackenzie, of Newhall

BENARES.

a

MR. ALFRED WEBB (Waterford, House, Ross-shire, has obtained W.): I beg to ask the Secretary of State warrant from the Sheriff of Ross and for India if he will state the number of Cromarty for the eviction of Donald acres under poppy cultivation in the Behar and Benares Agencies respectively for each of the last four years and for the present year?

*SIR E. GREY: The acreage under poppy cultivation in each Agency for the last four years has been :

MADAGASCAR.

McIver, a crofter on Mr. Mackenzie's estate at Ferrytown, Balblair; that Donald McIver was a tenant holding under a lease which expired in 1890, and since that time has been a yearly tenant at a rental of £4 4s.; and that no arrears of rent are due; and whether any steps can be taken to prevent this and similar evictions in the crofting counties, pending the passing into law of the Crofters' Act Amendment Bill, which has for its object the protection of small tenants holding under lease, and who held under lease at the passing of the Crofters' Act?

THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND

(Sir GEORGE TREVELYAN, Glasgow, MR. J. C. MACDONA: I beg to ask Bridgeton): I understand that Donald the Secretary of State for Foreign McIver's father, Roderick McIver, held Affairs if he is aware that Englishmen, the croft at Ferrytown, Balblair, from who, whilst endeavouring to pass the 1871, or earlier, till 1882, when he died; French outposts at Tamatave, in Mada- that Donald McIver took up the holdgascar, have been arrested and placed in ing in 1884 on his return from America, close confinement, and were eventually and occupied it under a lease which put on board a vessel half-naked, and, expired in 1890, since which time he has according to reports, in irons; and, neither renewed it nor paid his rent, and whether he will inquire into this case is now three years in arrear, in conseand take steps immediately to prevent quence of which legal proceedings have any repetition of such treatment of been taken. I do not contemplate British subjects? taking any steps of the nature referred SIR E. GREY: It appears from a to by the hon. Member pending the report from the Acting British Consul passing of the Crofters' Act (1886) at Tamatave that one Englishman with Amendment Bill. an American friend was arrested on the 4th of March while trying to cross the French lines. On being questioned by

RURAL POSTMEN IN SCOTLAND.
CAPTAIN HOPE (Linlithgow): I beg

the Acting Consul, he said that he and to ask the Postmaster General whether

Sir W. Wedderburn,

一覧

it is the case that rural postmen in Scotland, having in some instances to walk over 20 miles a day, receive, after 20 years' service, no more than 15s. a week; and whether, if this be the case, he will consider the possibility of giving to this class of public servants such a salary as will better enable them to maintain themselves and their families?

*SIR E. GREY: Keng Kong is not in British territory, but is the place where it was stated a short time ago that a French post was established. There is no intention whatever to send British troops there.

VOLUNTEER CAMP CANTEENS. MR. W. E. M. TOMLINSON (PresTHE POSTMASTER GENERAL ton): I beg to ask the Secretary of State (Mr. ARNOLD MORLEY, Nottingham, for War whether, in the case of a regiE.) It is certainly opposed to the mental canteen being established in a ordinary practice of the Department Volunteer camp, under the sanction of that any postman should be required to the General Officer commanding, purwalk 20 miles a day, and no officer after suant to the provisions of the circular 20 years' established service would be in memorandum recently issued from the receipt of only 15s. a week. I doubt, Adjutant General's Office, any person therefore, whether there can be such a case as that to which the hon. Member alludes. If, however, he will let me know the particulars of it I will have inquiry made, with a view to the amendment of the conditions of the postman's employment, if necessary.

not a member of the corps to which the canteen belongs surreptitiously obtaining, or endeavouring to obtain, drink at such canteen, commits an offence for which he is punishable at law; what remedies are open to the Commanding Officer against the person so offending; and, is he entitled to put him under arrest, or can

POST OFFICES IN WELSH-SPEAKING he take out a summons against him

DISTRICTS.

before the local magistrates?

MR. DAVID THOMAS (Merthyr THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR Tydvil) I beg to ask the Postmaster WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, StirGeneral whether, in recent appointments ling Burghs): This is a purely hypotheto post offices in Welsh-speaking districts, he has followed the promise given by his predecessor in 1886 of giving, when practicable, a preference to candidates having a knowledge of the Welsh language; and, if not, whether he will do so in future appointments?

MR. ARNOLD MORLEY: In appointing to post offices in Welsh-speaking districts it is my invariable practice to inquire which of the candidates possess a knowledge of the Welsh language, and to these a preference is given. This practice I propose to continue.

SIAM.

MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis) I beg to ask the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement telegraphed from Rangoon to the effect that 200 men of the 1st Burmah Rifles have left Mandalay to garrison Keng Kong; whether Keng Kong is outside any British territory or British protectorate; and whether there is any foundation for the statement thus telegraphed ?

tical question, which is hardly one for me to answer. I would suggest that the hon. Member should address himself to the Attorney General on the subject.

TRALEE AND DINGLE RAILWAY.

SIR THOMAS ESMONDE: I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if, in view of the refusal of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company to take over the Tralee and Dingle Railway, he will state what steps taken by the County Kerry Grand Jury for the future management of the line will be considered satisfactory by the Treasury?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREA

SURY (Sir JOHN HIBBERT, Oldham): I would refer my hon. Friend to the last paragraph of the letter addressed to him by the Treasury on the 20th February 1894, which runs as follows :

"It further appears to my Lords that some improvement in the management of the line is called for, and it is matter for consideration

whether this should not be insisted on before

any expenditure is incurred on works; and my Lords would suggest to the Grand Jury that negotiations should be opened with the object of

endeavouring to induce some responsible railway company serving neighbouring districts to enter into an agreement for working the line,

or, failing that, to allow their General Manager or other experienced officer to undertake the management of it upon suitable terms. Such an arrangement would, in the opinion of my Lords, give the best guarantee that the line would be safely and economically worked for

the future."

ILLEGAL TRAWLING ON THE SCOTCH

COAST.

"THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES." MR. S. WOODS (Lancashire, Ince): I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Messrs. Waterlow and Sons Limited, Printers of the Parliamentary Reports, are employing, in connection with this department, boys and young men up to the age of 18 years, and paying wages only at the rate of 10s. per week; that such boys and young men are working as much as MR. J. W. CROMBIE (Kincardine- two days and a night at a time without shire) I beg to ask the Civil Lord of any rest, and that for the night work of the Admiralty if he is aware that the 13 hours they are only paid 34d. per movements of H.M.S Jackal, which is at hour; whether the firm, in the printing present engaged in sea-police service off of the Debates are paying the Trade the Scotch coast, are frequently an- Union rate of wages to the machine nounced in advance by the local news- labourers employed upon the Governpapers, thereby greatly detracting from ment work; is he aware that these conher efficiency in preventing illegal trawl-ditions of work and rates of wages are ing; and, whether he will take steps to strongly objected to by the Printers' prevent this recurring? Labourers' Union, which Union is recog

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON: The nised by the Employers' Printers' AssoAdmiralty have no information on this ciation; and whether, with a view of point. The Jackal is at the disposal of giving satisfaction, he will cause an the Scotch Fishery Board, and her move-investigation to be made as to the accuments are settled by that Board. racy of these statements.

COMMISSIONAIRES AT THE POST

OFFICE.

MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.): I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether Commissionaires are employed at the Central Telegraph Office on night duty, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., after parading from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; whether night duty for civilians is seven hours; whether the pay received for 84 hours weekly is 26s. 6d., or under 4d. per hour; and whether he will extend to these old soldiers the same hours granted to civilians and a minimum wage of 6d. per hour?

MR. ARNOLD MORLEY: The hours of work and the pay of the Commissionaires employed by the Post Office were arranged some years ago, after consultation with the Officers of the Corps; but I shall be very glad to look into the matter with the view of ascertaining whether present circumstances would justify any amelioration of the conditions under which their duties are performed at night. I may add that, though it may be the fact that the men are on duty for 12 hours, there is usually an interval when the work falls off considerably, which admits of their obtaining some

two hours' rest.

Sir John Hibbert,

SIR JOHN HIBBERT: My hon. Friend's question has been referred to Messrs. Waterlow, whose reply is as follows:

66

The printing of 'The Parliamentary Debates' is done by Printers who are paid the Union rate of wages, assisted, as is customary throughout the entire trade, by boys, who do the laying-on only, at the rate of 10s. to 16s. per week. Men are not employed laying-on on these machines, they being too small to require adult labour. With regard to the statement that they worked two days and a night without rest,' this takes care that the boys do not work after untrue; and, indeed, the Factory Inspector seven o'clock, except by special permission, and then only 48 times in one year."

I may
add that, if my hon. Friend is not
satisfied that the reply of Messrs. Water-
low is in accordance with the spirit of
the Resolution of the House in regard to
Government work, I will be glad to
make further inquiries.

TRAINING SHIP FOR QUEENSTOWN.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.): I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether the training ship for Queenstown has yet been selected; and, when she may be expected there?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON : The training ship for Queenstown has not yet been decided upon, and the final

details are still under consideration.

THE BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS.

COMMISSION.

MR. C. M. RAMSAY (Forfar): I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Royal

he promised in December last to a deputation from the National Association of Traction-engine Owners and Users to introduce during the present Session? THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL Commission on Bovine Tuberculosis GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. G. J. SHAW LEFEVRE, Bradford, Central): I am in communication on this subject with the County Councils Association, and hope to come to an understanding with them before introducing a Bill.

TEMPLEMORE BARRACKS.

have yet drawn up their Report, and how soon its publication may be expected?

MR. SHAW LEFEVRE said the Report of the Royal Commission on Bovine Tuberculosis had been made, and a copy of it laid upon the Table of the House.

CHINA AND JAPAN.

MR. J. F. HOGAN (Mid. Tipperary): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to MR. T. GIBSON BOWLES: I beg state the intentions of the War Office to ask the Under Secretary of State for with respect to the future of the Temple- Foreign Affairs a question of which I more Barracks? have given private notice-namely, if MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN: he can inform the House whether the No decision has yet been arrived at as regards the future occupation of Templemore Barracks.

FIELD ARTILLERY BATTERIES.

*SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the paragraph in his statement which describes the Field Artillery as hitherto "inadequate," and proposes, by a rearrangement of the depôts, to raise seven additional field batteries, what is meant by an allusion to an increase of the number of guns available "by 42; whether the number is arrived at by counting seven field batteries at six guns; whether the batteries, in fact, have six guns fully horsed in time of peace; and what is the increase in the number of guns to be kept fully horsed over the present number if those available from the depôts at the present moment are counted in the list?

terms of peace between China and Japan include the establishment of an offensive and defensive alliance?

*SIR E. GREY: The precise terms have not been officially communicated to Her Majesty's Government, and I am not, therefore, at liberty to make any statement with regard to it.

IRISH SOLDIERS AND THE
SHAMROCK.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND: I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Irish soldiers belonging to the 22nd Company, Royal Artillery, Central District, and to the 1st and 8th Companies, Western District, Malta, were ordered on St. Patrick's Day to remove from their helmets the shamrock which they wore in honour of the national festival of Ireland; and, if so, upon what authority the order was given; and whether it is intended to deprive Irish soldiers of MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN: the right to wear the emblem of their Yes, Sir; the number of field artillery country upon St. Patrick's Day? batteries is increased from 38 to 45; that is, by seven batteries of six guns each. All the batteries have six guns; but the 32 batteries on the lower establishment, which are the last for service, have only four guns horsed, the other two being kept in battery store charge at their stations ready for horsing when required. The increase of guns for active service is, therefore, 42; but 14 of these are found by the disestablished depôts, leaving 28 to be provided other

wise.

Captain Bagot.

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN: The General Officer commanding at Malta states that, on St. Patrick's Day, Lieutenant Quain, No. 8 Company, Royal Artillery, and Sergeant Scanlan, No. 22 Company, Royal Artillery, when parading for church ordered the men to remove the shamrocks from their helmets, the former explaining that it might be worn after parade. No orders from superior authority had been given on the subject, and the officer and non-commissioned officer, who are Irishmen, con