HC Deb 11 March 1902 vol 104 c1028
MR. DAVID THOMAS

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will consider the desirability of an inquiry by a Select Committee of the House or otherwise into the work of the administrative department with a view to a redistribution or re-arrangement of the work between the Government offices, and more particularly with a view to placing matters relating especially to industry and commerce under the supervision and control of the Board of Trade.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not pretend that the present distribution of the work of the Government Department is perfect, but I cannot promise at the present time such an inquiry as the hon. Member suggests.