HC Deb 14 October 1912 vol 42 cc776-8
47. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a schedule of inquiries dealing with questions affecting the occupation and ownership of land, and stating in a preliminary instruction that the information sought was required for Government purposes; whether he himself or any Member of the Government had the schedule of interrogatories submitted to them before publication; and whether it is now being circulated with their knowledge and approval?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The answer to all three questions is in the affirmative.

68 and 69. Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (68) whether he authorised the statement made by a Mr. Angus that a Committee has been appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to obtain information for him and for the Cabinet regarding the actual conditions of life and labour in Great Britain; and, if so, whether he will give, either now or at some later date, the names of the members of such Committee; and (69) whether any and what opportunity of reply will be given to landlords who are attacked or whose estate management is criticised in the replies to the questions which have been circulated by the Land Inquiry Committee?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on Thursday of the object of this Committee. So far as conditions of life and labour are relevant to that object they fall within its scope. Its aim is to elicit facts, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the accuracy of those facts. As regards the rest of his question I would refer him to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Ayr Burghs on the 10th July.

Mr. RAWLINSON

That answer of the Prime Minister was no answer to my question, namely, whether any and what opportunity of reply will be given to the landlords who are attacked or whose estate management is criticised in the replies to the questions which have been circulated by the Land Inquiry Committee?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think the hon. and learned Gentleman will find the Prime Minister dealt with the whole question.

MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

May I ask will any member of the Committee stand the test of an action for libel for any misstatement made?

Mr. RAWLINSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question now even if it was answered by the Prime Minister's answer? I can assure him it was not.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I should like to consult the answer of the Prime Minister before I made any further statement.