HC Deb 09 August 1887 vol 318 c1731
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in view of the way in which British industries were handicapped, the Government would, during the Recess, consider the possibility of putting them on an equality with the industries of other countries, in respect of the burdens weighing upon them, especially in the shape of rent for agricultural lands, of ground-rents in industrial centres, and of royalties in mining districts?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

The hon. Member asks, without Notice, a Question of the gravest character. He asks, whether the Government will undertake to make fundamental changes in the law—changes which, it may be utterly out of their power to make, and which they may not be disposed to recommend. I cannot enter into any engagement on the subject.