HC Deb 18 August 1887 vol 319 c920
SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c)

asked the President of the Local Government Board, if an explanation of the term "allotment" is anywhere to be found; or, if not, whether he can now explain it?

THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE) (Tower Hamlets, St. George's)

I was rather astonished that the hon. Member should ask me what the meaning of the word "allotment" is, as I find he voted for a Resolution last year proposed by the hon. Member for the Bordesley Division of Birmingham (Mr. Jesse Collings), which expressed regret that the Queen's Speech did not contain any intimation of the intention of Her Majesty's Government to deal with the question of allotments. I have too high an opinion of the hon. Gentleman to think that he would vote for anything which he did not understand. But if any further elucidation is wanted of the meaning of the word "allotment," I have no doubt the hon. Member will obtain all the information he requires by referring to any good edition of Johnson's Dictionary.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

I beg to explain that I come from Scotland, where the word is not known. Last year I took it on the faith of the hon. Member for the Bordesley Division of Birmingham. And now that there is an important Bill before the House, I hope the right hon. Gentleman will give some explanation of the nature of this word.

MR. RITCHIE

Johnson's Dictionary.