§ MR. ROLLSasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the measures for securing to tenants compensation for agricultural improvements, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to consider the question of protecting tenants of mineral and other properties from confiscation of portion of their capital by the enforcement of fines by the landlords on the transfer of the leases, or to recommend the appointment of a Commission or Committee 952 for the purpose of considering the question?
MR. GLADSTONESir, this is a Question which touches a matter undoubtedly of very great importance, to which it will be the duty of the Government to give its attention. If it were brought forward in such a way as to make them believe they were called upon to consider it with a view to immediate action, there might be reason for expressing an opinion; but I do not think it has yet been raised in such a manner, and to such a degree, that we could be properly called upon at this time to declare any intention on the part of the Government.