§ MR. W. WHITELAW (Perth)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet received the Report of the Inland Revenue Authorities upon the Memorial of the Convention of Royal Burghs with regard to cess and stent; if so, will he introduce a Bill to deal with the matter this Session?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTThe Report of the Inland Revenue Authorities is, generally, not unfavourable to the proposals of the Convention; but I am afraid I cannot undertake that the Government will introduce a Bill to deal with the matter this Session.
§ MR. W. WHITELAWIn all probability the Bill will be absolutely unopposed, and could therefore be proceeded with after 12 o'clock. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTIf there be such a lusus natuæ as an unopposed Bill, I will consider what the hon. Gentleman has said.