§ MR. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)asked the President of the Local Go- 1043 vernment Board, Whether his attention has been drawn to a statement that prices are now being offered for public-houses vastly above what they could have fetched in the market a short time since; and, whether he will make inquiry in several parts of the country as to the alleged rise in value of public-houses since the announcement of the Compensation Clauses of the Local Government Bill?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)My attention has not been drawn to the statement that prices are now being offered for public-houses vastly above what they would have fetched in the market a short time since. Indeed, I am told that it is not the case that it is so. I have no means of obtaining the information, however, as to the terms on which properties of this character change hands.
§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would take steps to prevent jobbery taking place in this matter similar to that which took place in regard to the Irish Church Act?
§ MR. RITCHIEI do not propose to take any other steps than those I have already taken.