HC Deb 20 May 1879 vol 246 cc839-40
MR. W. E. FORSTER

Will the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer state, for the convenience of the House, whether, in case the debate on Indian Finance is not concluded on Thursday, it is the intention of the Government to postpone the discussion until Monday, or to resume it on Friday?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, it would, of course, be more convenient to the House generally that if the debate is not concluded on Thursday, it should be resumed on Friday. The only question is as to the position of those hon. Gentlemen who have Notices upon the Paper for the latter day. The first of those Notices is one by the hon. Member for Roscommon (the O'Conor Don) with regard to Elementary Education in Ireland; and I have been informed by that hon. Gentleman that if there should be a general wish on the part of the House to proceed with the discussion on Indian Finance on Friday, and if those Members who have Notices below him will consent to take a similar course, he will be prepared to waive his right. The next is a Motion by the hon. Member for Hackney (Mr. Holms). I do not know what that hon. Gentleman's view may be; but, as he is present, he will probably tell us. The third Motion is in the name of the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent (Dr. Kenealy). That hon. Gentleman is not present; but I presume that if the others give way he will do so also.

THE O'CONOR DON

said, he would certainly not stand in the way of the wishes of the House; but if he gave up the first place on Friday, he might possibly ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a few hours of Government time on some other day, and he hoped his request might be favourably considered.

MR. J. HOLMS

also consented to give way; but stipulated that the Government should help to keep a House for him if he succeeded in getting another night.

MR. A. H. BROWN

asked, if there would, under the altered circumstances, be a Morning Sitting on Friday?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, there would not.