§ MR. SUMMERSI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the attention of the Government has been called to the Petitions of the Salford Corporation, and of the ratepayers of Salford, praying that a Commission should be appointed to inquire into the alleged fraudulent transactions in connection with the Corporation contracts; and whether it is the intention of the Government to accede to the prayer of the Petitioners?
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHIt is not in the power of the Government to appoint a Commission with power to examine witnesses on oath. For the appointment of such a Commission legislation is necessary, and it is for hon. Members who are interested in the question, and who think this is the best way of proceeding to introduce the necessary Bill.
§ In reply to a further question from Mr. SUMMERS,
§ *MR. W. H. SMITHsaid: It is not the duty of the Government to take the initiative in the matter.