§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEYI beg to ask the Prime Minister, whether, in view of the importance of the subject, he will grant the Return of Landowners of the United Kingdom, in continuance of that published in 1878.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN)No, sir, I am afraid I cannot recommend the granting of of this Return. I am informed that it would take a very considerable time to prepare and that it would cost at least £20,000. As at present advised I do not think that we should be justified in incurring this expenditure.
§ LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)May I ask whether it is possible for the right hon. Gentleman to reconsider his decision in view of the fact that the Government is going to spend £60,000 on a Periodical Census of Production Bill?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe fact that we are going to spend a great deal of money on one thing does not seem to me a reason for spending a great deal on another.
§ MR. CHIOZZA MONEYSurely the Return would be very useful in view of the fact that the Government contemplate important land legislation.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANWe already have plenty of information.