THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid, that he had not received a copy of evidence taken before the Evicted Tenants Commission, and he had been informed that it was not usual, or in accordance with the practice of the House, to circulate copies of evidence as well as of Reports to Peers. In this case it happened that the evidence was very material, and he proposed, if he were in order in doing so, to move that it be circulated.
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (The Earl of KIMBERLEY)My Lords, I quite agree with the noble Lord that every facility possible ought to be, given for seeing this evidence. I have no doubt he is aware that by the Order of the House as it now stands the Report of a Commission is circulated, and a copy of the evidence is delivered to any Peer who may asked for it. I have asked the Clerk at the Table what the condition of the printing is, and he informs me that there are 200 copies available at the present time. I should be inclined to think those 200 copies would be quite as many as are likely to be applied for, even in a matter of this kind. I hope my noble Friend will be satisfied with that, otherwise I imagine if the type is not broken up we should have to direct that a large number more should be printed, but as there are 200 copies, I cannot believe that a larger number will be required, or that 500 Peers would desire to avail themselves of the opportunity of this evidence.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid, he he did not wish to ask for anything unreasonable, but, at the same time, many noble Lords might wish to see the evidence, and yet might not have the opportunity of applying for copies.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNsaid, they might not be at present resident in London. A considerable time had elapsed since the Report was laid on the Table, and when he made inquiries about it in the House he was informed that the Report and evidence would be circulated subsequently. A day or two ago he was reminded that a rule of the House undoubtedly existed that it was not customary to lay the evidence on the Table. He only desired to call attention to the fact that there were not sufficient copies for each Peer.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYThe rule is that any Peer who is desirous of having the evidence which has been taken before a Commission can, upon applying, obtain it, and I have ascertained that there will be a sufficient number, as I hope, of copies for all who apply for them.