§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, What are the intentions of the Government 1158 with regard to the second reading of the Egyptian Loan Bill, which is the Second Order of the Day; is it intended to proceed with it this night; and, if so, at what hour?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)The Government propose to take the second reading of the Bill to-night. As there will probably be a debate of some importance on going into Committee, I have considered with my Colleagues on what day it would be well to take that stage, and we propose to take it on Thursday, the 16th instant, naming Thursday, the 23rd instant, for the Budget, instead of the 16th. The second reading of the Bill will be taken at any time tonight.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEIf the second reading is taken to-night, it must not be understood as committing the House to the principle of the Bill, the debate on which must be made on the Motion that the Speaker leave the Chair.
MR. GLADSTONEI am quite willing that the second reading shall not be understood as adding to the force of the previous division on this subject.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI should like to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any further Papers to lay on the Table with regard to the correspondence subsequent to that now before the House respecting this loan?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)No, Sir; all the subsequent correspondence was confidential, and cannot be laid before Parliament.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEWhat will the Business be on Monday?
MR. GLADSTONEThe Queen's Message will be taken first, and the Parliamentary Elections (Redistribution) Bill next.