§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If Her Majesty's Government will assent to the appointment of a Royal Commission, or a Select Committee, to inquire into the causes of the distress and want of employment recently reported to exist among the artizan and labouring population of many parts of Great Britain and Ireland?
§ MR. HANDEL COSSHAM (Bristol, E.)inquired, whether the Royal Commission presided over by the late Lord Iddesleigh did not have the same object in view?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I was about to refer in my answer to the fact to which the hon. Gentleman alludes. The subject of the Question of my hon. Friend is one the importance of which is fully recognized by the Government; 383 and they feel that if it were possible to initiate any inquiry likely to be of service, it would be their duty to take the necessary steps to do so. It is, however, to be borne in mind that the main causes of distress are well known, having already been inquired into and reported on by the Commission on the Depression of Trade presided over by the late Lord Iddesleigh. Any further inquiry, such as that suggested by the hon. Member, might possibly have the reverse effect to that desired. The Government will, however, most carefully consider whether anything can or ought to be done. There are many signs of improvement in trade and of increased employment, which the Government hope will materially lessen the evils to which my hon. Friend alludes.