HC Deb 11 May 1883 vol 279 cc529-30
MR. MITCHELL HENRY

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, What arrangements have been made for reporting the proceedings of the Grand Committees; and, whether these proceedings will be reported in Hansard like the proceedings on Bills in Committees of the whole House?

MR. GLADSTONE

Sir, the state of the case is this—the Government has really no primary part to play in regard to this matter. We shall be guided in a very great degree, first of all by the wishes of the Committee as made known to us by the Chairman and Members; and, secondly, by the authorities of the House. From neither quarter have we received any information which would lead us to believe that the time has come for taking any measures on the subject, and I do not think it would be for us to initiate any. My own personal opinion is that a little experience and the proof from experience of what amounts to a public desire would alone be a safe guide.

MR. MITCHELL HENRY

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that Mr. Hansard did not take any notes of the proceedings of the Committees?

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not think that circumstance should lead me in any respect to vary my answer. It is only experience that can guide us in the matter.