Estate that, having purchased the property and become their landlord, got two THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL years' rent together, with arrears, from GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. HENRY almost all the tenants except a tenant CHAPLIN, Lincolnshire, Sleaford): I have named Michael Hennessy, who refused made inquiry respecting the case referred to pay unless Farran showed title; to, and I find that, in consequence of (2) whether he is aware that Mr. Farran several cases of measles having occurred sued Hennessy for the rent at last in the Workhouse, mostly of the mild Quarter Sessions, and after swearing type, three inmates were directed to look that Hennessy owed him the rent, had after them, although, under ordinary to admit on cross-examination that he circumstances, paupers are not employed could not show any title to the property, to look after the sick. I am informed and the case was dismissed with costs; that on previous occasions, under similar (3) also that Mr. Farran served an ejectcircumstances, instructions were given by ment on a widow, named O'Dea, got a the Guardians that an additional nurse decree, and evicted her last August; and, should be employed. It is much to be (4) whether, seeing that Mr. Farran was regretted that these instructions were appointed to the Commission of Peace not carried out when these additional for the County of Galway a few months cases occurred. The conduct of the ago, he will take these statements into pauper referred to was no doubt most consideration for further action thereon? reprehensible, and the Guardians communicated with the police with a view IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, to its being considered whether a prose- Leeds, Central): I am informed that cution should not be instituted against about two years ago Mr. Farran purher. I am glad to learn, however, from chased the property in question from the a certificate of the Medical Officer, that former landlord, and that the tenants the injuries were not of a serious in general paid their rents to Mr. Farran character, and that the child is now with the exception of Hennessy, who, at quite well. The Board, by a circular the January Quarter Sessions, took letter issued on the 29th of January defence to a process which was dismissed 1895, urged upon Boards of Guardians without costs-Mr. Farran not being the importance of appointing only trained then in a position to produce a conveyand experienced nurses, and at the same ance of the property owing to the death time stated that "whilst the Board are of the late landlord. A decree had been not prepared to lay it down as a rale that previously obtained against Mrs. O'Dea, in no case should pauper inmates act as who owed fourteen years' rent and made attendants in sick wards, as clearly dis- no defence, but she was readmitted as tinguished from nurses, they consider caretaker. Mr. Farran would appear to that their services should only be used have acted in a bona fide manner

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS: The appointment is vacant, but the question Meanwhile, the arrange*MR. A. K. LOYD (Berks, Abing- of a successor to Mr. Rigby will shortly don): I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster ments in force are those which obtained General, whether, in order to save when Mr. Rigby was absent on leave. labourers in rural districts from having to walk long distances, amounting often (there and back) to 10 or 12 miles, to fetch medicines for their wives MR. W. F. D. SMITH (Strand, children in receipt of outdoor medical relief, the Post Office could arrange for Westminster): I beg to ask the Secrea gratuitous medicine post, by which tary to the Treasury, whether it is posPoor Law medical officers could send sible to distribute to local bodies the medicines to pauper patients in such Government contribution in lieu of rates at an earlier period in each half year, districts? having regard to the fact that local authorities have to meet the precepts from the London County Council and School Board before the Government contribution is paid, and consequently are forced to make a higher rate than would otherwise be necessary?

MR. HANBURY: There is a strict rule against sending glass by letter post; and packets containing bottles of medicine cannot therefore be accepted for transmission as letters. The Parcel Post, however, is available at reasonable rates for medicines whether in bottles or MR. HANBURY: The question of otherwise. I may also state that, for the convenience of the public in urgent cases, the date of paying the Government the ordinary rule prohibiting mail cart contributions in lieu of rates has recently drivers and rural postmen from carrying private parcels has been so far relaxed as to enable them to carry small packets of medicine. The Postmaster General sees no reason why the duty of the free conveyance of medicine should be cast upon the Post Office.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DR. R. FARQUHARSON (AberTO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELLWILLIAMS, Birmingham, S.): It is deenshire, W.): I beg to ask the Secrenot contemplated that under ordinary tary of State for the Colonies, whether conditions the wear and tear of the he has recently appointed Mr. J. F. S. Militiamen's boots will be so much greater Fowler, late Surgeon Captain Army at manœuvres than it is at ordinary Medical Staff, to the post of Colonial trainings as to require a double issue of Surgeon in British Guiana; if so, boots. Should exceptional conditions whether, at the time of making the arise, the question will be considered.

appointment, he was aware that Mr. Fowler had recently left the Army Medical Department, and of the circumstances under which he retired; and ENFIELD SMALL ARMS FACTORY. COLONEL RUSSELL: I beg to ask whether, before making the appointment, the Financial Secretary to the War he received any special recommendation Office, who is now the Superintendent of of Mr. Fowler from the Army Medical the Factory at Enfield?

land

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR the general principles which have deterTHE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN, mined the grouping of the Military Forces Birmingham, W.): I have made the in the Paper (107) presented by Her appointment in question, and with a Majesty's command, showing approxiknowledge of the circumstances referred mately the cost of Military Forces as to. Dr. Fowler's reputation in the Ser- divided under Colonial Garrisons, Field vice, before the events which led to his Army, Depôts, &c., and of stating :--why retirement, was excellent; and the the 79,000 Army Reserve is distributed medical authorities were consulted before in the proportions stated under the he was selected for employment under different heads, only 5,000 of the whole the Colonial Office. -being placed under the heading "Troops held in Reserve; why the Militia Reserve of 30,000 is not also so distributed, but placed under one head "Troops held in Reserve;" why a Yeomanry Force of 8,200 is placed under the heading "Troops held in Reserve," and only 1,500 placed under head of "Defensive positions at Home ;" and the reasons for including under the same headings troops available and troops not available for service beyond sea; and, whether, in the form of a Memorandum or otherwise, he Artillery, and Infantry respectively, now will state the total force of Cavalry, Field service beyond sea? in the United Kingdom and available for

DONEGAL MILITIA.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.): On behalf of the hon. Member for South

Donegal, Mr. SWIFT MACNEILL, I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether the headquarters of the Donegal Militia, which it was authoritatively announced some time ago, was the intention of the authorities to fix at. Ballyshannon, have been again fixed at Lifford this year; whether Lord Wolseley when Commander of the Forces in Ireland, visited Ballyshannon for the purpose of directing the arrangements *MR. BRODRICK: It would be imnecessary for the establishment of the headquarters of the Donegal Militia in possible within the limits of a reply to a headquarters of the Donegal Militia in Question to give the information asked that town; what has led to the depar- for, and it seems hardly desirable to ture from the original arrangement; and, is it in contemplation, having regard justify in a Memorandum the exact allocation of troops. But generally to the exceptional advantages of Ballyshannon for that purpose, to establish in speaking it is desirable to hold in reserve some troops of each arm, available to future the headquarters of the Militia in reinforce the field Army, whether for that town? service at home or abroad.

*MR. BRODRICK: There has been ICK no change in the intention to move the headquarters of the 5th battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers from Lifford to Ballyshannon, but the Commander of the Forces did not think it desirable to do so until certain other troops could be moved from Ballyshannon. The reappropriation of the Ballyshannon barracks is now being dealt with, but the training must take place this year

at Lifford.

GROUPING OF MILITARY FORCES. MR. A. M. BROOKFIELD (Sussex, Rye): On behalf of the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth, Sir JOHN COLOMB, I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether he will take an early opportunity of explaining to the House, either by a Memorandum or otherwise,

I

WEST HIGHLAND RAILWAY.

MR. A. WYLIE (Dumbartonshire) : beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that, when the West Highland Railway was promoted, the support of the inhabitants along Loch Long and Loch Goil was sought and obtained by the company on the express understanding that a station would be placed at Portincaple, which is situated on Loch Long, Dumbartonshire, opposite Loch Goil, and conveniently situated for the traffic of both lochs. Has his attention been called to a petition by the inhabitants regarding the failure of the railway company to implement their promise. And, can he make any representations to the company, or take any other steps to secure the opening of this station?

:

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD | very general assent to the principle of OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. RITCHIE, making some provision for old age Croydon) I have seen the Memorial pensions, Her Majesty's Government will referred to, but the Company deny that consider the advisability of immediately any promise was ever made to the in- assigning a pension to all the remaining habitants along Loch Long and Loch Crimean veterans who are not already Goil as to the erection of a station at in receipt of pensions? Portincaple. The only obligation upon the company in the matter is that contained in Sub-section 2 of Section 29 of their Act of 1889, with reference to the erection of a station at the instance of the Luss Trustees. The company also inform me that the question of a station at Whistlefield has been for some time under consideration and a plan is at present in course of preparation.

VACCINATION PROSECUTIONS.

MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS: The Secretary of State does not at present see his way to the great increase of expenditure from Army Votes which would be involved by any serious departure from the restrictions which now govern the grant of "Campaign" pensions.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY.

MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.): I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, how the new National Portrait Gallery have many of the appointments on the staff of been allotted to pensioners of the Army, Navy, or Police, and how many to civilians?

MR. HANBURY: The subordinate male staff of the National Portrait Gallery consists of 1 head porter, 1 head messenger, 10 curators, and 8 messengers. Of these 10 are Army, Navy, or Police pensioners, 3 have served in the Army but not long enough for pension, and 7

MR. F. A. CHANNING (Northampton, E.): I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is aware that Mr. H. Hancock, of Oundle, has, between 23rd August 1894 and 9th January 1896, been prosecuted and fined five times for non-compliance with the Vaccination Acts, in respect of one child, the total fines and costs amounting to 50s., and twice for another child, the fines amounting to 34s. 6d. ; and that Mr. E. Bradshaw has been pro- are civilians. secuted four times between 13th June 1895 and 5th March 1896, in respect of the same child, and has had to pay 64s. in fines and costs; and, whether, having regard to the recommendation of the Interim Report of the Vaccination Commission as to repeated prosecutions, and to the previous practice of the Local Government Board, he will direct a copy of the Evesham letter to be sent to the Guardians with the intimation that repeated prosecutions in respect of the

same child should not be insisted on?

MR. CHAPLIN: I have made inquiry of the Guardians of the Oundle Union, and I find that the statements as to the number of proceedings instituted in the cases referred to and the amount of penalties and costs are substantially correct. I have no authority to give such instructions as are suggested, but I have directed that a copy of the Evesham letter shall be sent to the Guardians.

CAMPAIGN PENSIONS.

MR. CHANNING: I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether, having regard to the present

Sixteen of the 20 are new

appointments and, of the 16, 12 have served in either the Army or the Navy.

INCOME TAX (NAVAL OFFICERS). MAJOR RASCH: I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Income Tax is deducted from the pay of officers of the Royal Navy serving afloat; and, if so, whether he would consider the possibility of remitting it?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXMICHAEL CHEQUER (Sir HICKS BEACH, Bristol, W.): The answer is in the affirmative. The tax could not be remitted in the case of officers in the Royal Navy without conceding a similar

remission to officers in other branches of

the public service, which would be obviously undesirable. [“Hear, hear !”]

INDIAN STAFF CORPS.

MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury): I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction still exists among officers of the Indian Staff Corps

in consequence of their supersession by education and limit of age required for the line; whether he is aware that the appointments as sub-postmaster in Ireconcession of temporary rank to com- land; was a coastguard pensioner, named mandants and seconds in command of P. Scully, aged 60 years, who was native regiments does not appreciably recently appointed sub-postmaster at prevent their supersession by the line Baltimore, examined on behalf of the (seeing that officers having permanent Postmaster General to test his fitness by rank take precedence of all those serving education for the position, and did he with them having temporary rank of the produce a certificate of age; and, whether same grade), while it creates wholesale he is aware that a number of people of supersession among staff corps officers education, having considerable property themselves; and, whether he will ask the in Baltimore, were candidates for the War Office to reconsider the decision office, and will he state what were the arrived at last year, so as to meet the special circumstances which caused the views expressed by Lord Lansdowne, on appointment to be given to Mr. Scully behalf of the Government of India, as in preference to one of those; and, shown in the Return presented to this whether, considering the importance of House last Session, entitled East India the office, he will inquire into all the (Staff Corps Officers)? circumstances of the appointment?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON, Middlesex, Ealing): No further representation from the Government of India has been received on the subject to which my hon. Friend refers, and in the absence of any such representation, I do not propose to reopen the question.

He

MR. HANBURY: For the appointment of sub-postmaster no particular standard of education or limit of age is prescribed; and, accordingly, Mr. Patrick Scully, who has been appointed subpostmaster of Baltimore, was not required to produce a certificate of age or to undergo any educational test. was, however, strongly recommended to the Postmaster General as in all respects BALLYMONEY POST OFFICE. fit for the appointment, and it was COLONEL HUGH MCCALMONT ascertained that he could read and write (Antrim, N.): I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that much inconvenience is caused at Ballymoney owing to the situation of the Post Office, it being a considerable distance from the railway station and from the centre of the town; and whether he will take steps for its removal to a better site?

well, and that he is about 57 years of age. It is the case that he is a coastguard pensioner. Of the other four candidates who applied, three were considered ineligible-two because they kept public-houses, and the third because the situation of the house was inconvenient. As between the fourth and Mr. Scully, the balance of advantage was all on the side of Mr. Scully. The MR. HANBURY: The Post Office Postmaster General sees no reason for premises at Ballymoney, which are making any further inquiry than has provided by the Postmaster, have been been made already. in their present position for upwards of 15 years, and, though not in the main street, are considered to be reasonably convenient for the inhabitants generally. No complaints on the subject have been received, and it is not considered to be necessary to require the Postmaster to

move.

NEDDS POINT FORT (COUNTY
DONEGAL.)

MR. THOMAS B. CURRAN (Donegal, N.): I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, if, in connection with work now being carried on at the Nedds Point Fort, Buncrana, he will consider the advisability of the SUB-POSTMASTERS (IRELAND). War Department constructing a road MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kil- from the town of Buncrana to that fort kenny) I beg to ask the Secretary to along the shore, seeing that the existing the Treasury, as representing the Post-road to the fort is practically inaccessible master General, what is the standard of and hardly ever used, and that the