HC Deb 16 March 1899 vol 68 c983
SIR J. LENG

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, considering that 35 years have elapsed since, on the initiative of the Government of the day, the fees of the two Houses of Parliament on Private Bills were reduced, and that a surplus of more than £30,000 per annum has since accrued, he will, in connection with the Private Legislation (Scotland) Bill, give effect to the recommendation of the Select Committee of last Session by moving the appointment of a Joint Committee of both Houses to revise the scale of fees on Private Bills?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

There is no surplus of £30,000. The honourable Member docs not appear to be aware that this £30,000 so received is much less than the expenditure on administration. The mere cost, however, does not settle the question, which awaits further consideration.