HC Deb 05 March 1900 vol 80 cc50-2
MR. KIMBER

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, pending the appointment of the Municipal Trading Committee recently promised by him, the Government will oppose, or cause to be deferred, any Bills or clauses in Bills promoted by municipal authorities seeking powers to trade or manufacture.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

In answer to my hon. friend I have to say that no general principle, I think, such as he suggests could be adopted. Each case must be considered on its merits, and undoubtedly the fact that a Committee is sitting, or is proposed to sit, upon the subject is a factor that will be taken into account.

MR. COHEN (Islington, E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when he expects to appoint the Committee on Municipal Trading, which on the 19th February he informed the House he proposed should be appointed without delay.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The reference will be put on the Paper in a day or two.