§ Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in February, 1912, the Treasury arranged for the surrender to the Crown of the rights and privileges of the city of St. Albans under their ancient wine charters on payment of the sum of £l,500 to the corporation of St. Albans, as trustees for the St. Albans Grammar School; whether he is aware that the lapse of time on the part of the Treasury in carrying out its side of the agreement is involving the school in a serious loss of income; and whether the legislation necessary for the completion of the arrangement will be obtained without any further delay?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIn 1911 the Corporation of St. Albans and the governors of the grammar school presented a petition to the Treasury praying that the Treasury would redeem on behalf of the Crown the rights and privileges of the city of St. Albans under their ancient wine charters. As the result of negotiations which ensued a lump sum of £1,500 was agreed upon as the consideration for the redemption, but no undertaking was given as to when the legislation would or could be introduced without which the redemption could not be effected. I fear that at the present time it is impossible to make any statement as to when the legislation can be introduced.