HC Deb 14 March 1861 vol 161 cc1958-9
SIR GEORGE LEWIS

said, that the House was aware that considerable delay had taken place with regard to the business to be transacted in Committee of Supply, and he would therefore ask the House to consider whether it would not promote the despatch of business if hon. Members who had Motions on going into Committee of Supply that evening should at all events postpone them, so as to allow the Committee of Supply to begin not later than nine o'clock? The statement might then be made that evening with regard to the Army Estimates, and the Tote for men might be brought at least under the consideration of the House. "With regard to the Motion of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Huntingdon (General Peel) his Motion was germane to the subject of the statement, and the business would be rather promoted than retarded if the Motion were made on the question of Mr. Speaker leaving the Chair; but with regard to the other Motions, he (Sir George Lewis) thought that their postponement would tend to the despatch of business and the general convenience of the House.

LORD ELCHO

said, he had come down to the House with the intention of submitting a question connected with the Volunteer Force. In consequence, however, of the appeal just made by the right hon. Gentleman, he would reserve what he had to say until the Vote relating to the Volunteer Force came before the Committee.