HC Deb 27 October 1884 vol 293 cc265-6
SIR JOHN LUBBOCK

I wish to ask the Prime Minister whether he will devote a separate day for the discussion of the mode of voting to be adopted under the Franchise Bill? It is quite obvious that it would be more convenient to have a discussion on that subject before we have the Bill than afterwards; it would much facilitate the Business of the Government if we could dispose of it first.

MR. GLADSTONE

The time has not yet arisen for the discussion of this subject. The House has the Business of the Address to proceed with, and then, as a sequence, the Franchise Bill. These matters are sufficient for the present. I do not think, therefore, that the House would approve of such discussion upon the matter referred to. When further progress has been made there would come a further question; but I own that I am by no means convinced that it would be most convenient to discuss separately the mode of voting.

MR. R. N. FOWLER (LORD MAYOR)

I venture to express a hope that before the debate on the Address closes we shall have an opportunity of hearing from the Representative of the Colonies some further explanation as to the state of things in South Africa.

MR. W. J. CORBET

said, he had obtained first place on Wednesday next for the Land Law (Ireland) Amendment Bill, which was regarded as an important Bill by the Members of his Party. If Wednesday should be taken for the debate on the Address, he hoped the Prime Minister would give some other opportunity for the discussion of the Bill.

MR. HEALY

wished to know whether it was proposed to hang up the debate on the Address on Thursday, and go on with the Franchise Bill? If the Land Bill should suffer on Wednesday, it would be too much to ask them to give the Government Thursday for the Franchise Bill. After the Irish Members had finished with the Address, perhaps some Gentleman above the Gangway might like to tackle it.

MR. GLADSTONE

There is no intention of suspending the proceedings on the Address.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved, That any proceedings on the Address have precedence To-morrow and Wednesday over the Notices of Motions and Orders of the Day.