HC Deb 01 February 1897 vol 45 cc910-1
MR. T. LOUGH

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is willing to confer charters of incorporation on districts of the metropolis, under the Municipal Corporation Acts; and, if so, whether he will deal with any particular locality that may apply to him, or with all the districts of London at once; and, whether the existing form of municipal government of the metropolis can be altered otherwise than by Act of Parliament?

MR. CHAPLIN

The hon. Member asks me whether I am willing to confer charters of incorporation on districts of the metropolis. The answer is very simple. I have no power to do so. Applications for charters are made to the Privy Council.

MR. LOUGH

asked if the right hon. Gentleman would say what advice he would give to the Privy Council in the case of such applications.

MR. CHAPLIN

My advice has never been asked.