§ MR. FLEMING (York, W.R., Don-caster)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is his intention, during the next Session, to bring in a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Mining Royalties?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe question of mining statistics is being considered by a Departmental Committee of the Home Office. The recommendations of the Commissioners on the other subjects turn so much on legal points relating to mining lcases, tenants for life, &c, that I have submitted this part of the Report to the Lord Chancellor for his consideration.
§ MR. WOODS (Lancashire, Ince)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, considering the importance 460 of the subject, to the nation, he will give a day for the discussion of the Royal Commission's Report on Mining Royalties on an early date next Session?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE,) Edinburgh, MidlothianThis question appears to involve the supposition that in the coming Session the Government will have to appropriate the time of the House, as they were obliged to do to a very great extent this Session, and that they may, in consequence, fairly be asked to provide an opportunity for the discussion of a particular subject. But I need not say that the House has not yet resolved upon any surrender of this kind, or made any arrangement for the disposal next Session of the time at its command between the Government and independent Members, and until that question comes up for consideration I cannot give my hon. Friend an answer without disparagement to the conduct of business hereafter.