MR. GLADSTONESir, as the time now approaches when it is probable the Reform Bill will be returned to us, it may be for the convenience of the House that I should ask the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is prepared to state what course Her Majesty's Government propose to take with regard to the various Amendments which have been introduced into the Bill by the House of Lords?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I do not exactly understand the Question of the right hon. Gentleman. We have as yet received no official information as to what the other House determined upon with respect to this Bill. I apprehend that it will first of all be necessary for the Amendments upon the Bill made in the other House to be printed and placed in the hands of hon. Members, and then that I should give notice of the day on which they are to be considered. I believe that to be the usual course pursued under such circumstances. I do not know of any other. I do not see how I can inform the House before we come to consider 853 the Lords' Amendments what course Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue with regard to this Bill. I shall follow the precedents we have to guide us in the matter.
MR. GLADSTONEMy Question merely went to this extent—that as time was now pressing, and as the matter would have to be fully discussed, it would be convenient if the right hon. Gentleman would give us the earliest notice, without waiting for the printing of the Amendments, as to the course which the Government intend to take with regard to the principal Amendments introduced by the House of Lords into the Bill. I do not wish to press for an Answer immediately; but I have no doubt the right hon. Gentleman will endeavour to accommodate the House as far as possible by giving an Answer to the Question I have put to him.