§ MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a 815 scheme from the South Metropolitan Gas Company for the cheapening of the price of gas; and, if so, whether, before arriving at a decision upon the scheme, he will, in answer to the Petition presented to the House from the St. Luke's and Chelsea Vestries, grant an inquiry into the present management and working of the various Gas Companies of the Metropolis, their statutory rights, and the working of the results of the sliding scale, and of price and dividend?
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir: I have not received any such scheme, and until it is before me I am unable to say what action it would be my duty to take in reference to it. Should I receive it I will confer with my hon. Friend.
§ MR. J. ROWLANDSHas not the right hon. Gentleman received any Petition from the Vestries?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI have not seen any.