§ MR. HERMON-HODGE (Lancashire, Accrington)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board a question of which I have given him private notice. It is whether, considering the misapprehension that exists, he can inform the House what locus standi the County Councils will have to appear before the Select Committee appointed to consider the Metropolitan Water Bill?
§ *MR. RITCHIEThe Water Bills have been referred to a Hybrid Committee with instructions to hear petitioners. There is no question of locus in the matter, and indeed the County Councils will have the right to appear. I understand that Petitions were presented yesterday against each Bill.