§ 47. Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. WARRENasked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the manner in which many municipal councils have loyally adopted the suggestions of His Majesty's Government and increased the wages of its workmen and the salaries of its teachers and officials, thereby placing a burden upon the ratepayers, which is now as heavy as they can bear, the Government will institute an immediate inquiry into the economic and financial conditions of the country, with a view to allaying the unrest and discontent that prevails, and in the hope that ameliorative measures may result?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid that the difficulties referred to in the question are by no means limited to municipal councils. The whole situation is engaging the close attention of His Majesty's Government, but I doubt 354 whether a general inquiry of the kind suggested would serve any useful purpose.