§ MR. O'SULLIVANasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he will abolish the Board of Customs this year, so as to have the Customs work done by the Board of Inland Revenue and one set of officers?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I am afraid I cannot give any assurance to the hon. Gentleman beyond this—that the suggestion involved in this Question is one of which I am very sensible of the importance, and one which I am disposed to take into full and rather favourable consideration at the first fitting opportunity. However, it is a large administrative 775 measure, invoicing many changes, and probably involving in the first instance, much cost to the public. I need scarcely say that no steps could be taken and nothing carried out until after a full and careful consideration of the whole matter, which I am not now in a position to give to it.