HC Deb 21 June 1897 vol 50 cc428-9
MR. W. WOODALL (Hanley)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the important powers proposed to be conferred upon the Plumbers' Company by the Plumbers' Registration Bill, a copy of the charter and of the bye-laws of the Company can be laid upon the Table of the House, showing how the Master and Wardens and Commonalty of the Freemen of the Ancient Guild of Plumbers are appointed and removed, and under what conditions they hold office?

MR. G. C. T. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, before the Plumbers' Registration Bill is further proceeded with, he will lay upon the Table a statement showing the constitution and resources of the Ancient Guild of Plumbers, who are to administer the Bill if it become law?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. HENRY CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, Sleaford

It will be convenient that I should, in answering this Question, also reply to the Question of my hon. Friend the Member for North Islington. I am informed that the only charter of the Company known to be in existence is one granted by James I. The earlier charters are believed to be lost. The Ordinance dates back to the time of Edward III. The Report of the City of London Livery Companies Commission of 1884, however, contains a lengthy abstract of the charter and the provisions of the Ordinances and bye-laws of the Company. The Returns for the purpose of that Commission were supplemented by information relative to the later regulations of the Company given in evidence before the Select Committee on the Plumbers' Registration Bill, 1892. I have no doubt that, if it be desired, the Company would cause to be furnished a brief statement of the constitution and resources of the Company, which might, if it were moved for, be laid on the Table of the House.