§ 51. Mr. NEWMANasked whether the impossibility of obtaining free and unfettered evidence as regards the conditions of rural life was considered by the Government as a reason against the appointment of a Commission or Select Committee to take any further evidence on which to found legislation; and whether such alleged reluctance to give evidence is the sole reason for the appointment of an unofficial and informal Committee to ascertain the particulars desired?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 5th November last to the hon. and gallant Member for the Hornscastle Division in reply to a question on this subject.
§ Mr. NEWMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that the reason why the Committee was formed unofficially was because it could not possibly get satisfactory evidence if it were official?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the hon. Member will refer to the answer which I gave, he will see that there are other reasons also.
§ Mr. NEWMANWould the Prime Minister refer to the speech in the National Liberal Club?