§ THE COMPTROLLER OF THE HOUSEHOLD (Lord ARTHUR HILL)reported Her Majesty's Answer to the Address, as followeth:—
I have received your Address praying that a Royal Commission may be issued to inquire and report upon the working of the Metropolitan Board of Works, and into the irregularities which are alleged to have taken place in connection therewith, and assuring Me that you will concur in empowering such Commission to take Evidence on Oath, to compel Attendance of Witnesses, to grant Certificates of Indemnity to Witnesses in such cases as may be desirable and proper, and to call for all necessary records and documents. And I have given directions that a Commission shall issue for the purposes which you request, and that a Bill shall be submitted to Parliament for conferring on such Commission the powers recommended by you as expedient for the purposes of the Inquiry.