HC Deb 24 October 1884 vol 293 c157
MR. LABOUCHERE

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he will consent to the appointment of a Select Committee, with power to summon and examine witnesses, to inquire into the mode in which one of the schemes for Redistribution, which were printed for the private consideration of certain members of Her Majesty's Government, was obtained and published in The Standard?

MR. FIRTH

asked whether the printers were still being employed by Her Majesty's Government, or whether they had been dismissed or suspended?

MR. GLADSTONE

The matter of this Question has been referred, in the first instance, to the Solicitor to the Treasury. From my making that statement, it will be perceived by both the hon. Members that until we know exactly what can or cannot be done in that Department it will be better not to enter upon it. But when the proper time comes—it cannot be distant—the fullest information will be given to the House.

SIR H. DRITMMOND WOLFF

I would like to ask whether the Solicitor to the Treasury will have power to examine Members of the Government on the subject?

MR. GLADSTONE

I am not aware that the Solicitor to the Treasury has expressed that desire. If he should express it, no doubt it will be conceded.