The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-04 00:00:00

MILITIA DEPOTS.

In reply to Col. GILPIN,
The SECRETARY AT WAR stated that it was the
intention of the Government to introduce a bill to ex-
empt militia depots, and storehouses from the payment
of local rates and taxes.
UNIVERSITY REFORM.
Mr. BLACKETT wished to ask Lord Palmerston if
he intends to lay before Parliament copies of any cor-
respondence that has passed between the Home Office
and the Chancellors of Oxford and Cambridge, on the
subject of University Reform ; and between the Home
Office and the Authorities of single colleges in the said
universities, on the subject of. Collegiate Reform.
Lord PALMERSTON said it was his intention im-
mediately to lay before the house the first part of the
correspondence, and probably he should be able to pro-
duce the second part at no distant period.
Mr. HENLEY. wished to ask Lord J. Russell by
whom, and at what time, the instructions referred to in
page 54, line 49, of the report of the Oxford University
Commission were issued, and if there be any objection
to lay a copy of the instructions on the table of the
house.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said the instructions were
not written, they were verbal.
FLOODS OF TH SHANNON.
Colonel DUNNE wished to ask the Under Secretary
for the Treasury, whether any, or if any, what steps
have been taken with respect to the complaints of the
inhabitants of Banagher and its vicinity, of injury done
to their property by the floods of the Shannon which
have been caused by operations of the Board of Works
•n that river.
Mr. WILSON said the memorial had been referred
to the Board of Works, but no answer had yet been
received.

BURIAL SOCIETIES.
Lord STANLEY wished to ask the Secretary for the
Home Department, whether it is the intention of Go-
vernment to introduce a bill for the better regulation of
burial societies, and for the prevention of abuses con-
nected therewith.
Lord PALMERSTON was quite aware that there
existed great abuses connected with these societies, and
it was his intention shortly to introduce a bill for the
purpose of correcting or preventing a recurrence of those
abuses. (Hear, hear.)
THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
Mr. HUME asked whether any intention existed on
the part of the Government with a view to the improved
management of the British Museum, in accordance with
the recommendation of a select committee of the house ?
Viscount .PALMERSTON said he would reply to the
question on a future day.
OATHS IN SCOTLAND.
In reply to a question from Mr. BRIGHT,
Viscount PALMERSTON said the case of a person
named Alexander, who was committed to prison at
Edinburgh for refusing to take an oath on conscientious
grounds, was that of a person who was not legally exempt
from taking an oath ; but ho would look into the case
to see if the term of his imprisonment could be shortened.
LAW 01? PARTNERSHIP.
Mr. RICARDO asked if Government had received
any report from the commission appointed to inquire
into the law of partnership, or whether the Government
intended to bring in any measure on the subject this
session.
Mr, CARDWELL replied, that the Government were
in daily expectation of receiving the report.
PETERBOROUGH ELECTION.
Mr. BANKES drew attention to a petition which he
had presented against the present member for Peter-