In the House of Commons on Wednesday the Prime Minister
was asked by Mr. Joynson-Hicks whether, in view of the amendment to the Address moved by Mr. Lloyd George on December 10th, 1900, he would consider the desirability of bringing in legislation to carry out the intention of that amendment. The amendment referred to was the one dis- cussed by us in our leading columns last week, and protested against Ministers of the Crown having any interest, direct or indirect, in any firm competing for Government contracts. Mr. Asquith's reply to the question was as follows : "I do not think that any such legislation is needed." This appears to us to be an exceedingly severe snub for the present Chancellor of the Exchequer, who moved the amendment, and for the present Home Secretary and Lord Chancellor, both of whom spoke in favour of it.
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