§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, When the Petition for the incorporation of Haslingden was presented; whether it was signed by a large majority of the inhabitant ratepayers, representing about two-thirds of the net rateable valuation; whether any cause operates against the grant of the Charter; whether an inquiry has been held; and, if so, whether a Copy of the Report of the Commissioners will be laid upon the Table of the House; and, whether, if no inquiry has been held, an inquiry will now be ordered?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)A Peti- 1665 tion for the incorporation of Haslingden was presented at the Privy Council Office on the 20th of November, 1886. It was signed by persons representing about a half of the net rateable valuation. The inhabitants of a portion of the district objected to the grant of a Charter, and expressed a wish to be joined to Accrington. An inquiry was held, by direction of the Lords of the Council, on the 15th of February last. The Reports of the Commissioners are confidential documents, and it has never been the practice to make them public.