§ MR. CHARLES PALMERasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he will receive a deputation representing the consumers of coal in the Metropolitan district, as well as others interested in the abolition of the Coal Tax, since he has agreed to receive a deputation from the Metropolitan Board of Works in support of the continuance of this system of taxation?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I am not able to say that I will receive any depu- 1837 tation from the consumers; but it will be our duty to consider, to the best of our ability, the interests of the consumers, and any statement that might be put forward on their behalf would receive careful attention.