§ MR. RICHARDSON (Nottingham, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to allegations made with regard to certain transactions between the gas committee of the Nottingham Corporation and certain trading companies; and whether, having regard to the unrest caused by these charges, and the reflections cast upon individuals, he will direct a public inquiry to be held without delay.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSMy attention has been called to this matter. I have, however, no authority to direct an inquiry with regard to it as desired by my hon. friend.
§ MR. RICHARDSONSeeing that the right hon. Gentleman cannot interfere, will he engage that steps be taken to allay the unrest and suspicion caused by these allegations?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSIt is within the competence of the town council to institute an inquiry by means of a special Committee, and if the case is very serious to invoke the aid of the police.