§ SIR HOWARD VINCENTI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the expense to the public of the Metropolitan Police Commission up to the present time, how much it costs the police fund per sitting, and whether he can say when the police will be able to take up their ordinary duties.
§ *MR. GLADSTONEI regret that I cannot give the particulars of expense to the police fund up to the present time. The total expense incurred has not yet been worked out, and the cost per sitting varies according to the extent of the inquiries which it may have been necessary to make, the number of officers who have to be present, the attendance of counsel, and other circumstances. I cannot say when the Commission will be able to conclude their labours, but I understand that they have not at present been able to fix dates for hearing the witnesses who wish to give evidence in favour of the police.