§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSasked the First Lord of the Treasury, What course the Government propose to take with respect to those Boroughs as to which Royal Commissioners have reported that corrupt practices have extensively prevailed therein?
§ MR. CAINEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a measure during the present Session affecting the Constituencies, which have been lately inquired into by Royal Commission; and, if so, whether he will undertake to bring in the Bill at such time that it can be discussed in a full House, and not at the fag end of the Session?
MR. GLADSTONEI may at once state, in answer to the Question of the right hon. Gentleman, that Her Majesty's Government do not think it possible to carry any measure definitely dealing with the question of the proposed measures to be adopted; but it will be their duty to introduce a Bill for the purpose of carrying over the matter to the next Session of Parliament.
§ SIR E. ASSHETON CROSSCan any announcement be made this Session as to how it is proposed to deal with these boroughs?
MR. GLADSTONEI do not think there would be any advantage in making any announcement with regard to the definitive measure. We must confine ourselves, I am afraid, to a Provisional Bill.