§ MR. RITCHIEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether any communications have passed between the Government and the Metropolitan Board of Works on the subject of the renewal of the Coal and Wine Dues; and, if so, whether he will state to the House the nature of such communications; and, whether the Government have come to any decision on the subject?
MR. GLADSTONESir, there have been communications between the Government and the Metropolitan Board of Works on the subject of the renewal of the coal and wine dues to this extent—that there was the expression of a wish from the Board that a deputation should come to the Treasury on the subject. The matter stands for further consideration, and I think that when the Session is more advanced it is highly probable 1280 that I may receive a further communication from the Board of Works; and such a deputation, if asked for, will undoubtedly be received.
§ MR. RITCHIEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Metropolitan Board of Works has postponed any further step on the question of providing any further connection across the Thames until the decision of the Government has been given on this question? I understand that the Board has requested an interview, and that the right hon. Gentleman has not yet replied fixing a time to receive the deputation.