§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If it is true that he has refused to receive a deputation of the principal inhabitants of Peckham Rye on the subject of the Bye Laws framed by the Metropolitan Board; and, if so, if he will reconsider his determination, and receive the deputation before taking any action in the matter?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTSir, the difficulty is to find time during the 24 hours which constitute the day. What with Morning Sittings of the House of Commons, what with Evening Sittings of the House of Commons, and what with the Business of the Department, the time available to deputations is limited, and I have to apportion them a little in proportion to the importance of 1273 the subject-matter. I have received deputations from Peckham Rye, I have spoken about Peckham Rye, I have written about Peckham Rye, and I think I have appropriated as much time to Peckham Rye as belongs to the importance of the subject. If the right hon. Gentleman thinks I ought to hoar more of Peckham Rye, I shall be happy to do so, especially if the right hon. Gentleman will undertake to introduce the deputation. [Sir R. ASSHETON CROSS: I cannot promise that.] As the right hon. Gentleman, when in Office, introduced the rather novel practice of directing from the Front Opposition Bench what deputations should be received at the Home Office, if the right hon. Gentleman will undertake that the number composing this deputation shall not be inordinate, and. that the speeches shall not be long, I shall be very happy to receive it under his auspices.
§ SIR R. ASSHETON CROSSI am obliged to the right hon. and learned Gentleman; but I hope he will excuse my accompanying it. I should not have asked this Question, had it not been that I have received a letter from the vicar of the parish, speaking in the name of a largo number of the leading inhabitants, asking that I should bring this matter before the Secretary of State. I will convey to them the answer I have received.