§ MR. J. HOWARDsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, How many Reports are expected from the Rivers Commission in addition to those already received, dated respectively 29th March 1866; 6th May 1867; 15th August 1867; and 10th February 1869, and, when it is expected the Commissioners will have completed their inquiries; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to postpone all legislation upon the subject until the completion of the inquiry, or to bring in a Bill embodying the recommendations of the Commissioners for removing the principal evils pointed out 1000 in the Reports; and, if so, whether such Bill will be brought in during the present Session?
MR. BRUCE, in reply, said, he believed there would be two more Reports before the Commission closed its inquiry. He understood, however, that it was unnecessary to await the termination of the inquiry before introducing a Bill. He could not promise; but he hoped to be able to bring in a Bill next Session on this important subject.
§ MR. J. HOWARDWhen will the inquiry terminate?
MR. BRUCEsaid, whether it would terminate this year he did not know; but no doubt it would be completed by next year, at the latest.