§ Mr. SWANasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will initiate legislation to take over 1571W the coal royalties, and incorporate in such legislation powers for local authorities to have claims on such royalty rents, or part of same, so as to meet the liabilities, especially of Poor Law guardians, to enable them to cope with the distress arising from unemployment?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply. In the present condition of the country's finances the Government are not prepared to introduce legislation for the State acquisition of coal royalties.