§ MR. LABOUCHEREIt will be convenient to a large number of persons at Crowe and elsewhere if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would be good enough to say whether he has received any intimation from the present sitting Member for Crowe that he is anxious to serve Her Majesty as Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds, and whether, if so, a favourable answer has been given? [Laughter.]
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThis appears to be one of the numerous instances in which a newspaper report is incorrect. No such application has been received.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREThen may I ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies how it comes that he, a Minister of the Crown, sent a letter to Mr. Marriott sympathising with him as a candidate and hoping he would be returned? [Laughter.]
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI always reply to all letters addressed to me in suitable terms. [Loud laughter.]