§ SIR MASSEY LOPESasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he has now completed the arrangements for giving effect to the Resolution of 13th May 1881, with reference to the appointment of a Minister of Agriculture and Commerce; and, if so, whether he would explain to the House the nature of the changes that have been made in the several Departments concerned?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I stated some time ago that the Government were prepared with a plan for giving effect to the pledge that they gave the House now a considerable time ago. I also stated that we should take care that the House should be put in possession of the particulars of the plan, and that the matter should be brought before the House at a period perfectly convenient for its consideration. I cannot now name a day on which I could propose to enter on the subject owing to the state of Business; but I reiterate the pledge, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will be satisfied with that statement.