HC Deb 07 February 1859 vol 152 cc147-8

HER MAJESTY'S Speech considered.

Motion, "That a Supply be granted to Her Majesty."

LORD JOHN RUSSELL

said, that the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer had given an indefinite answer as to the time at which the promised Reform Bill would be introduced, for he had made it depend upon two other questions, one of which related to the Naval Estimates. He wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman what day he proposed to name for the consideration of the Naval Estimates? The right hon. Gentleman must know that it was a mere matter of calculation when these Estimates could be laid upon the table, and probably he could at once name upon what day they would be brought under the consideration of the House.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

assured the noble Lord that his right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty would take care that no time should be lost. The Government had communicated to the House, with perfect frankness, their intention respecting the Bill for improving the representation of the people. He thought that the question of the noble Lord must have been prepared before the statement which he made on the part of the Government, and he thought that the question of the noble Lord must be taken to be answered by that statement.