HC Deb 10 June 1873 vol 216 c723
MR. VERNON HARCOURT

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether the Government will be willing to afford such facilities in respect of time as may make it possible to pass a Bill, during the present Session, to remedy the defects of the Law of Conspiracy as applied to Trade Combinations, and the relations of Master and Servant?

MR. GLADSTONE

I can say on the part of the Government we shall look with favour and goodwill upon any attempt made by the hon. and learned Gentleman to remedy the Law of Conspiracy, whether it be in the present or in the coming Session of Parliament. If, however, my hon. and learned Friend should think it desirable to go forward with the subject during the present Session, I can further say we shall have every desire to afford him facilities; but these facilities must depend on the nature of the Bill, and the objects for which it is framed. Consequently, I cannot give a more positive answer until we see the Bill.