§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydfil)I bog to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been directed to representations from trades unions as to the appointment and composition of, and the terms of reference to, the Royal Commission on Trades Disputes; and, if so, whether he will put down the Temporary Commissions Vote on an early day and at an hour which will enable the Question to be fully considered by this House.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.I am aware that various opinions have been expressed in connection with the appointment of this Commission. I have more than once explained the nature of the choice open to the Government in determining whether the Commission should be large and representative or small and specially legally qualified and the advantages which appear to attach to the latter alternative. Although I should have no objection to the Temporary Commissions Vote being discussed if time allowed, I 1189 am afraid that in the present condition of Supply I can give no pledge on the subject.