§ THE LORD ADVOCATEsaid, that with reference to the question put to himself by the hon. Baronet (Sir A. Agnew), the terms of the Commission and the Commissioners of Inquiry on the public-houses question were arranged and completed. The formal part of the affair—namely, the issuing of the Commission, only remained. The delay that occurred was occasioned by the desire of the Government to obtain such Commissioners as would be approved of in Scotland. Whether they were successful or not in that object remained to be seen. For the last day or two he was anxious to obtain the services of a noble Lord as a Commissioner, but owing to private circumstances, he was sorry to say the public would be deprived of the advantage of the noble Lord's services.
§ SIR ANDREW AGNEWasked, whether there was any reasonable prospect of the Commission issuing before Easter?
§ THE LORD ADVOCATEsaid, he saw nothing to prevent it. The issuing of the Commission, which was merely formal, was the only step now to be taken.