§ MR. RYLANDSasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, having regard to the statement which he made on March 18th as to the intention of the Government with reference to the six vacant seats, and to the consequent excitement occasioned in many populous localities, he is now able to inform the House if the Government intend to introduce a measure to provide for the filling up of these vacancies during the present Session of Parliament?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHE-QUERWith reference to the statement made by me on March 18, I think it was to the effect that the Government would propose some measure for filling up those vacant seats before the Dissolution of the present Parliament; but I added that I was of opinion that there was no immediate hurry. I cannot at present see that there is much probability of such a measure being introduced during the present Session.
§ MR. HIBBERTI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, as many of the towns anxious to obtain Parliamentary representation have increased in population since the Census of 1871, whether it would not be desirable to bring in a short Bill empowering any of those towns to obtain an additional Census at their own expense, if they desire to do so?
§ THE CHANCELLOE OF THE EXCHEQUERPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will give Notice of his Question.