§ MR. HENEAGEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, with reference to the reply of the President of the Council to the deputations from the English and Scotch Chambers of Agriculture and Farmers' Clubs on the 8th of May, namely, that—
The statements and views of that weighty and representative assembly strongly deserved the attention and consideration not only of the department over which he had the honour to preside, but of Her Majesty's Government as a whole;whether the practical statements and facts adduced by Mr. Clare Read and other speakers have ever been considered by the whole Cabinet or by the Committee of Agriculture; and, whether the Vice President of the Council is a member of either of these important Committees of Her Majesty's Government?
MR. GLADSTONEWhat I have to say is, that the representations to which reference is made have been carefully considered by the Department responsible for agricultural affairs. With regard to the latter portion of the Question, my hon. Friend is not aware, perhaps, of the distinction, but there is no Vice President of the Privy Council. There is a Vice President of the Committee of the Privy Council on Education; he has nothing to do, in virtue of his office, with general Council business; but, incidentally, he has rendered very valuable services to the Veterinary Department of the Office.