§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the fact, as publicly reported, that the application of Mr. Preston Bruce for the Manor of North-stead, was placed in the hands of the proper authorities some months ago; and, if so, who is responsible for the Constituency of West Fife having remained unrepresented during the interval, Mr. Bruce having been absent through ill-health.
§ * MR. GOSCHENThe application was made to me not direct, but by the hon. Member for East Nottingham (Mr. A. Morley), who was authorised to make it by a letter from Mr. Preston Bruce. I am not aware of the date of Mr. Preston Bruce's letter, but I received the application on the evening of Thursday last and granted the Manor of Northstead to Mr. Preston Bruce next morning, so that there was no delay.