§ SIR WILLIAM SCOTTsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Commission for Inquiry into the Public-houses Act for Scotland is to be conducted in private, and, if so, what are the reasons that necessitate its being so conducted?
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, he had communicated with the Commissioners on the subject, and he had received a written explanation from the Secretary, he had also had an interview with Sir George Clerk, the Chairman of the Commission. He understood that the Commissioners had come to no Resolution on the subject, but they had under consideration such arrangements as would be most conducive to the ends of the inquiry. On the one hand, they had to consider the interruption and expense 154 which would be occasioned by the attendance of any large number of the public; and on the other, the desire which prevailed in Glasgow for the admission of the public; they would, however, he trusted, come to such a decision as would be most likely to facilitate the inquiry.
§ SIR EDWARD COLEBROOKEinquired whether the evidence would be reported from time to time so as to enable parties to apply to the statements made?
SIR GEORGE LEWISsaid, it was impossible to say when the inquiry would be likely to terminate, as it had not as yet been commenced. It was proposed at present to admit the reporters and all properly appointed persons; but the public would receive due notice of the final arrangements come to.