CAPTAIN COLOMB&c.) (Tower Hamlets, Bow,I wish to ask the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he can state to the House when the information as to the result of the inquiry with respect to the condition of employment in the East End will be presented to the House?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)I am sorry there has been so much delay in presenting the information to the House. The House will understand that the investigation was of a very novel character; and it was extremely difficult to say when the information would be in such a form that it could be presented to the House. That difficulty has been, increased in consequence of the very unsatisfactory nature of many of the answers returned. Between 30,000 and 40,000 cards had to be distributed, and each one has to be closely investigated, with the view of being tabulated. Great difficulty has been found in tabulating many of the answers. This has been done in the general Registry Office; and a week ago I received from the Registrar General sheets containing a summary of the information desired. These sheets have been placed in the hands of the printer. They are very voluminous, and I cannot say when the printing operations will be completed. I hope it will not be long, and the Papers will be presented to the House the moment they are received.