§ Mr. WEBBasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in addition to the establishment of Government works in the Forest of Dean for the distillation of wood and the manufacture of acetate of lime, he had considered the advisability of acquiring the various existing private concerns which are carrying on this industry ill England, Wales, and Scotland, which undertakings are in a depressed condition owing to fluctuations of prices and other causes; and whether he would consider the advisability of carrying these concerns on as a Government monopoly?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I do not think the suggestion made in the last part of the question would be a practical one.