SIR UGHTRED KAY-SMUTTLEWORTH (Lancashire, N.E., Clitheroe)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government be and whether the Government propose to ask Parliament to extend the period of sitting of the Local Government Act Commissioners for the Settlement of Financial 1624 Differences beyond the present statutory limit of December next?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE, Tower Hamlets, St. George's)It appears to me probable that the Commissioners will not be able to complete the duties imposed upon them by the Local Government Act before the 31st of December next, when their powers expire. It is too early for me at present to form a positive opinion upon the point, but should an extension of time be necessary I shall be prepared, if the Commissioners concur, to propose legislation for the purpose.