HC Deb 23 June 1881 vol 262 cc1119-20
MR. R. H. PAGET

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he will be good enough to inform the House what progress has been made in the formation of the distinct Department for the Administration of the functions of the Executive Government relating to Agriculture and Commerce, in accordance with the Resolution which was unanimously agreed to by the House on 13th May last?

MR. GLADSTONE

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has paid every attention to this subject. The necessity of the attributions of Departments cannot be considered entirely isolated; but I may state generally that the subject shall be thoroughly examined during the Recess; and before we meet again we expect to have our views ready for the adoption and approval of the House.