§ MR. O'GRADYI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the evidence of sweating indicated by the exhibition in London of goods made under sweating conditions, and also the fact that sweating prevails in the cabinet making, glass hovelling, clothing, and boot and shoe industries, he will agree to the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the conditions of the trades covered by the exhibition, and also those named in this Question; and, in the event of such Royal Commission being appointed, whether the terms of reference will include the 357 question of recommending legislation to remove the evils of sweating.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThe question is of great importance and of great difficulty, and it is engaging my attention. But I cannot make any statement at the present moment.
§ MR. O'GRADYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of appointing a Royal Commission.
§ MR. GLADSTONEWe already have three Royal Commissions and two Departmental Committees dealing with subjects with which the Home Office is concerned, and I am afraid our powers of absorption are limited. I therefore cannot hold out my hope of a Royal Commission.
§ MR. O'GRADYDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman considers this subject of less importance than those on which Royal Commission are to sit?
§ MR. GLADSTONEI did not say that.