§ Lord Teynham wished to know from the noble Lord on the Woolsack, when the Report of his Poor-laws Commission would be ready?
The Lord Chancellordid not know why he should be asked such a question rather than any other of his Majesty's Ministers, or why the noble Lord should call it his 387 Poor-laws Commission. He did not move for the Commission; its appointment was a measure of Government; and so far from his having any particular share in the business, he stated at the time that he was rather against the appointment of Commissioners, because he wished to legislate upon the subject at once. Since the appointment of the Commission, however, from communications he had had with several individuals, he had come round to the opinion, that the Commission was a desirable measure. The inquiries of the Commissioners had led to the attainment of most important, ample, and interesting information; and when their Report came before the House, probably the noble Lord would agree in his opinion as to the paramount importance of their labours. He was totally unable to state the precise period when the Report was likely to be presented, but he believed it would shortly be laid before the House.