MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he is yet in a position to give the names of the Royal Commissioners on the Licensing Laws, and the terms of reference?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I am sorry to say I am not yet in a position to give the names of the Royal Commissioners. I shall do so at the very earliest opportunity; but certain formalities will have to be gone through, as well as obtaining the consent of all the gentlemen whose names it is proposed to submit, before it can be done.
§ MR. J. REDMONDI understand that the Government have practically arranged the names of the Gentlemen who are to serve. I wish to ask whether all these Gentlemen have given their consent, and whether, if some of them have refused to act, he will keep an open mind and receive communications as to who should be put in their places?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYThe great majority of the Gentlemen have consented to act. In the case of vacancies that may occur in consequence of refusals, I will, of course, consider any representations that may be made.
§ MR. J. REDMONDHave there been any refusals as yet?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI think I have given the hon. Gentleman all the information in my power.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether 277 he is aware of the fact that Mr. Young, M.P., who is said to be the representative of Irish trade on the Commission, voted in this House in favour of taxing Irish whisky? [Laughter.]
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Gentleman ought not to persist in asking an irregular Question when he is called to order.