HC Deb 16 January 1913 vol 46 cc2247-8
51. Mr. NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether he has read a speech recently delivered by a Member of the Government at Manchester, stating that the Government were collecting material with regard to the land question, on which at a later period they would base legislation; and whether he will say what Committee, other than an unofficial and secret Committee, is at present engaged in the task of collecting for the Government the material sought for?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. Member has, I think, not correctly quoted the speech of the Lord Chancellor. My Noble Friend stated that the Government were studying the question, and when they had collected sufficient materials they would be able to make some suggestions. The various Government Departments Concerned have been and are collecting information on the subject.

Mr. NEWMAN

Is the Committee collecting this information official or unofficial?

The PRIME MINISTER

What the hon. Member referred to is the unofficial Committee, whose operations have been frequently described.

MARQUESS Of TULLIBARDINE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the gentlemen employed collecting this information, and their antecedents?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know them.