MR. GATHORNE HARDYasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he intends to propose any legislative measures with a view to remedy the evils stated by the Select Committee to exist in Westmeath and parts of the adjoining counties?
MR. GLADSTONESir, the Report and Evidence in the case of Westmeath was only circulated yesterday, and certainly it has not been in my power at the present moment, nor in that of my Colleagues, to pay that degree of attention which the Report requires, so as to enable us to pass a final judgment upon the state of facts which it discloses. At the same time, I quite agree in what I consider to be the animus of the Question of the right hon. Gentleman, that it is not desirable that time should be lost in a matter of this description, and we shall certainly lose none. Very shortly I shall announce the intention of the Government.