§ SIR BALDWYN LEIGHTONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to create a Minister of Commerce and Agriculture, with a seat in the Cabinet, according to the Resolution of the late Parliament?
MR. GLADSTONESir, the subject contemplated in this Question is a matter which would involve a very extensive re-arrangement of the Business of the Government; and the machinery at their command is too heavily called upon at the present time to render it at all possible for them to take into their consideration any such extended and complicated change. There are, however, some subjects, not without importance, as to the re-adjustment of some 787 weighty branches that are connected with the purpose of the hon. Gentleman's Question; and I may possibly be able in a short time to make a further communication to the House on the subject.