HC Deb 12 November 1888 vol 330 c913
MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention had been drawn to a paragraph in The Observer of Sunday, to the effect that arrangements had been made for a deputation of Conservative Members of Parliament to wait on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to lay before him statements of objections to the proposed Wheel and Van Tax Bill; that the proceedings would be private, but that it was believed that they would be immediately followed by the withdrawal of the measure? He would further ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, considering the great loss and inconvenience being suffered-in all parts of the country through the indecision of the Government on this question, he could not now make an announcement?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

I am always very glad to take what rest I can, and therefore I did not read the paper in question on Sunday. The hon. Member will not be surprised, therefore, to hear that I have not heard of the paragraph nor of the deputation, nor of any of the other consequential movements to which he refers. I have already stated that I propose to make a statement with regard to Public Business on Thursday, and that is all I can say now.