§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the attention of the Government has been given to the Report of the Commission on the City Livery Companies; and, whether the Government will propose Legislation next Session on the lines of the Report, or, in the alternative, will give facilities to a few private Members who might be disposed to assist the Government by themselves preparing and introducing a Bill based on the recommendations of the Commission?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL) (Paddington, S.)I should not feel justified in saying that the attention of the Government has hitherto been very closely given to the Report of the Commission on the City Livery Companies. In reply, however, to the second para- 1124 graph of the Question, I think it will be the opinion of the House and of the public generally that the liabilities which the Government have already incurred with regard to legislation are sufficiently heavy, and that we would not be justified in giving a direct promise on this subject. With regard to the Government giving "facilities to a few private Members who might be disposed to assist the Government" next Session with regard to this subject, I am glad to think that we may count on the hon. Member as one of those disposed to assist us; but I do not know that I should be justified in speculating with any precision on the course of Public Business next Session.