§ SIR JOHN GRAYasked the Vice President of the Council, If, having regard to the advanced period of the Session, the Government have fixed a time for proceeding with the Elections (Parliamentary and Municipal) Bill (commonly called the Ballot Bill)?
MR. GLADSTONESir, if my hon. Friend has observed, as I have no doubt he has, the recent course of Business in this House—perhaps the state or the stagnation of Business would be a more accurate expression—he must be aware that his Question, of which he has given us but short Notice, is really part of a much larger question with respect to the condition of Business, and I think I can only answer him by making a general reply. There are two measures of the Government in particular with respect to which great uncertainty appears to prevail as to the precise amount of time which their discussion might occupy. I do not wish to say anything of a controversial character, but I think the proposition I have just stated will be admitted; and those two measures are the Army Regulation Bill and the Ballot Bill. Now, as far as the Government are concerned in regard to those two measures, it is our firm and final intention to persevere with them and to obtain the definitive judgment of the House upon them without any reference to time whatsoever. That is an announcement which it is not altogether agreeable to me to make, because none of us, I suppose, wish to make unnecessary sacri- 1176 fices of time and personal convenience; and the prospect of a Session prolonged beyond the ordinary time is probably in itself not agreeable to anyone who sits in this House. At least, I can speak for myself. But we are of opinion that there are considerations of public principle and public duty involved in both of those measures which leave us no alternative whatever; and if we are supported by the majority of this House we shall give full effect to the intention that I have just announced. I will make no reference now to any other measures of importance on the Paper, because I am not aware that in regard to any of them any special difficulties appear to be likely to interpose themselves to our obtaining the judgment of the House upon them.