HC Deb 20 February 1880 vol 250 cc1102-3
MR. J. W. BARCLAY

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, considering the great interest felt in the Country regarding the supplies of agricultural produce to be expected from America in coming years, and the anxiety of farmers to learn the conclusions of the Assistant Commissioners to the Royal Commission on Agricultural Distress, who visited that Country, the Government will arrange for the early publication of their Report?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, this is a question which does not rest with the Government, but with the Royal Commissioners. I have communicated with my noble Friend the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, who is the Chairman of the Commission; and he informs me that the Report which is expected from the Assistant Commissioners who visited the United States has not yet been received. I am sorry to say that one of our Friends has been ill since his return to England, and that has, no doubt, delayed the sending in of the Report. Until it is received, it is impossible to say anything definite as to its publication. The attention of the Royal Commission has, however, been drawn to the subject.