§ MR. D. A. THOMASI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state when the Return relating to the expenses incurred in Private Bill Legislation ordered by the House on 28th April, 1899, is likely to be presented; and whether, having regard to the delay in its presentation, the information sought can be given to the end of last session.
§ MR. JESSE COLLINGS (for Sir M. WHITE RIDLEY)There has been no undue delay in presenting this Return, considering the great labour and difficulties involved in communicating with 1,389 separate local authorities, and 1,050 companies. Even as it is, the Board of Trade have failed to obtain any figures from a considerable number of companies, and have been obliged to make up their part of the Return (with which they have only just been able to supply me) without them. The printing of this part of the Return will be proceeded with as speedily as possible; the rest of it is practically ready. To bring the Return down to the end of last session would involve a further long postponement. I told my hon. friend at the time the Return was granted that it would take a considerable time to prepare it.