§ MR. FIRTHasked the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce at an early date a Bill providing for the appointment of a Commission with statutory powers of inquiry into the charters, powers, trusts, income, and expenditure of the Livery Companies of the City of London?
MR. GLADSTONEIt is, Sir, the opinion of the Government that the time has come when Parliament should be put in possession of full information upon the subject to which the Question refers. With respect to the manner of obtaining that information, I would beg the hon. Member to have the kindness to allow us a little time before asking for an explanation. That is a point which is under our consideration, and in regard to which we shall desire to adopt the course which, on the whole, we may think most feasible.