§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that as a result of the judgment of Mr. Justice Denman in the case of "Gordon v. Williamson" many Vestries have become disorganised, Vestrymen who have fulfilled their duties a considerable time, under the impression that they were legally qualified, now being afraid that their case is covered by the above decision; and whether, in view of the approaching Vestry elections, it is his intention to take action to remove the present difficulties, and enable the ratepayers to have a free selection of candidates for the several Vestries?
§ * MR. RITCHIEI am aware of the judgment of Mr. Justice Denman in the case of "Gordon v. Williamson," but I have no information that many of the Vestries in the Metropolis have become disorganised. The question as to the qualification of Vestrymen in the Metropolis is one which would necessarily be dealt with by a District Councils Bill for London, but it is not my intention to propose legislation on the subject apart from that general measure.
§ MR. J. ROWLANDSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that several Vestries have become disorganised, and, the present state of the law being so unsatisfactory, that Vestrymen do not like to put themselves in the position of becoming common informers?
§ * MR. RITCHIEI would point out to the hon. Member that it is quite impossible to introduce and carry a Bill through both Houses to do away with any present inconvenience without dealing with the whole question.