.Lord Lansdowne made a very strong point in noting that
the report of the majority of the Committee was so obviously partisan that the Government, though anxious to whitewash, did not venture to found their resolution upon the Report, but substituted for it a different resolution. Clear and searching was Lord Lansdowne's criticism of Lord Murray's apology, and of the facts which had been disclosed in regard to him. There were certain questions arising out of this matter which had not come before the Committee of the House of Commons which required further elucidation. For example, was it desirable that party funds should be used for investment in companies allied to companies which are in contractual relations with the Government of the day? Then there was the investment of 221,000 in railway stook at the time of the coal strike. Explanation should also be given as to why Lord Murray bought Marconia for himself on April 17th at 22, and the next day for the party at 23 58. Further, it was most desirable to ascertain whether Lord Murray obtained the whole of the shares for which he applied, or whether, like the rest of the public, he was only allotted fifteen per cent. of the amount which he asked for.
