§ MR. CHAMBERLAINasked the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- 54 ment, Whether his attention has been called to a letter from Mr. Bompas, Q.C. in the "Echo" of Thursday 31st July, in which that gentleman states that the vestry clerks of the Metropolis have decided not to act upon the provision of 41 and 42 Vic. c. 26, s. 5, removing a doubt and enfranchising separate occupiers of parts of houses; and, if the statement is true, whether the local authorities will become liable to penalties for the omission of the names; and, whether he can take any steps to prevent many thousands of persons from failing to gain the franchise which Parliament intended them to possess?
MR. ASSHETON CROSS, in reply, said, his attention had not been called to this letter until the Notice of the hon. Gentleman's Question appeared upon the Paper. He had not yet had time to make inquiry of the vestry clerks; but he had directed inquiry to be made as to what the facts really were. As to the question of law, he would rather not express an opinion upon it until he had had an opportunity of consulting the Attorney General. He was afraid it was not in his power to take any such steps as were indicated by the hon. Gentleman at the end of his Question.