§ MR. E. JENKINSasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether in the constitution of the Royal Commission on Agricultural Distress, as it is expected that several landlords and tenant farmers will have places on the Commission, regard will be had to secure the presence on the Commission of some person or persons fairly representative of the views and interests of the agricultural labourers?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,in reply, said, the question of having upon the Royal Commission on Agricultural Distress a representative of the views of the agricultural labourers had been under the consideration of the Government; but they did not see their way to overcoming the difficulties which presented themselves.
§ MR. E. JENKINSsubsequently asked, with the view to prevent any misunderstanding, Whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer meant that there was an objection to placing an agricultural labourer, or any person who represented that class, upon the Commission?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, several communications had been made to the Government with a view to have an agricultural labourer, or a person connected with agricultural labourers, upon the Commission. Those representations had been carefully considered, and it had not been found, possible to overcome the difficulties which suggested themselves to the mind of the Government.
§ MR. E. JENKINSasked, Whether, if some other person, not an agricultural labourer, were suggested, the Government would consider the matter?
§ [No reply was given to this Question.]