§ MR. CORRANCEasked the President of the Local Government Board, in consequence of a statement made by him concerning the duty of the Government under certain eventualities, Whether he abides by that declaration, and is prepared to give it effect in his forthcoming measure?
§ MR. STANSFELDSir, my hon. Friend is rather mysterious in his Question; but I will give him the best answer I can. In speaking the other night on the Motion of the hon. Baronet the Member for North Devon (Sir Massey Lopes), I argued that if it was carried I should be prevented from introducing in its present form the Bill I have in draft for the abolition of exemptions in rating. I need not go into that question now. I do not suppose he can wish me to come to any premature announcement on the part of the Government. The subject must and does engage their earnest attention.