MR. CRAIG-SELLARasked the First Lord of the Treasury, with reference to his statement of May 29th, regarding the Universities (Scotland) Bill, If he can now fix an early date for the Second Reading of the important Bill in question, which was one of the measures promised in the Queen's Speech, and was read a first time on the 3rd of April?
MR. GLADSTONESir, my hon. Friend is aware how desirous we are to get on with the Scottish Universities Bill, and we shall make the best arrangements in our power for that purpose; but I own it is my impression that nothing will be gained by my attempting to fix days at the present moment for any of the discussions upon Bills, or for other discussions to which we are pledged, until we have got through the Committee on the Corrupt Practices Bill, and entered into Committee on the Tenants Improvements Bill. By that time I hope that we 52 might have the way tolerably clear for the purpose. At any rate, during the present week I can hardly undertake, with security, or any advantage to the House, to fix any particular day.