MR. JOHN WILSON (Falkirk)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, if he is aware that, in granting permission lately allowing boat-hiring on Linlithgow Loch during certain hours on Sundays, he has roused the feelings of the great majority of the people of the locality, as evidenced by a petition put into his hands signed by no less than 1,424 persons, including the provost, magistrates, and two-thirds of the Town Council, the whole of the Protestant clergy of the burgh and parish, and most of the residents of the districts, including a large body of working men; and if he will withdraw said permission.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS,) Kent, St. Augustine'sThe petition alluded to reached me on Friday last and is now under my consideration. I am bound to say that, as at present advised, I am not prepared to withdraw the permission.