MR. BUXTONsaid, he wished to ask the Vice President of the Board of Trade, Whether the Annual Statistical Abstract cannot be published early in the year, instead of being delayed until June or July?
§ MR. STEPHEN CAVEsaid, in reply, that he was afraid there would be considerable difficulty in issuing the Statistical Abstract earlier. The time was dependent upon the completion of the Revenue and Expenditure Accounts after the 31st of March following, which was the close of the financial year, so that practically the year 1866 did not end till the 31st of March, 1867. It was very desirable that the Abstract should include the latest financial Returns, and these could not be furnished to the Statistical Department till nearly two months after the close of the financial year. The publication of the Abstract last year was exceptionally delayed by the time occupied in preparing some additional tables.