§ SIR MASSEY LOPESsaid, in the absence of the First Lord of the Treasury, he wished to ask the President of the Poor Law Board, When he proposes to introduce the general and comprehensive measure dealing with the whole subject of local taxation, which he promised the early part of last Session, and which promise was renewed in Her Majesty's Gracious Speech from the Throne at the commencement of this Session?
§ MR. GOSCHEN, in reply, said, the hon. Baronet was in error in saying there was any promise on the part of the Government to introduce a general and comprehensive measure dealing with the whole subject of local taxation. His right hon. Friend at the head of the Government said the subject should be treated in a comprehensive manner; but he never threw out the hope that it could be done in one Bill. The subject would have to be dealt with by two Bills, one with reference to rating, and another with regard to the collection. A third branch had been referred to the Select Committee of which the hon. Baronet was so able and industrious a Member, and which the hon. Baronet knew had not yet made its Report. He was afraid the state of Public Business was such that they would not be able to deal with the subject this Session.