§ MR. MELLORasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he will state what course he proposes to take with respect to the Bill to amend the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1876, seeing that the Lords have decided to insist on their Amendments?
§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFsaid, that as he had declined, in deference to the suggestion of the Speaker, to press a Motion with respect to the Privileges of the House, as affected by this Bill, he would ask Her Majesty's Government, Whether, in considering the Amendments introduced by the Lords, they would consider them in connection with the Privileges of this House?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI am aware generally of the point to which the hon. Baronet the Member for Christchurch refers in connection with this Bill. I am not unacquainted with the position of the measure in connection with the question of the Privileges of the House of Commons; but, as I understand, you, Sir, have thought it not desirable that that question should at present be raised. [Sir H. DRUMMOND WOLFF: Not to-day, as I understand.] Well, not to-day; and that being so, I do not know that I can venture further at present with my answer to the hon. Baronet. With regard to the Question of my hon. Friend behind me (Mr. Mellor), he is aware that the Government have supported, and that I have more than once expressed my personal support of his Bill, and that I have regretted to see the Amendments which have been introduced into it by the other House of Parliament. It does not lie with me to propose to take any particular course with respect to the measure, because it is one which is in charge of my hon. Friend; but I should be prepared—and the Government should be prepared—if he thinks fit to insist upon what has been agreed to by this House, to support him.