§ MR. ROLLSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the Government are prepared to recommend to Her Majesty to appoint a Commission for the purpose of considering in what way (with due regard to the rights of the landlords) tenants of mineral properties can be protected against confiscation of portion of their capital by the enforcement, without any valid consideration, of fines, in many 542 cases excessive, on the transfer of their leases?
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURTI have no cognizance myself of any such extensive evil as is referred to in the Question, or as would call for the appointment of a Royal Commission; but if the hon. Member will communicate to me the facts upon which he relies, I shall be very glad to consider them.