§ MR. BRODRICKsaid, that it was proposed by the Government to take the Land Purchase (Ireland) Bill as first Order that day. How was it that it was the ninth Order on the Paper?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF the EXCHEQUERThe simple reason is that there is no chance of dealing with the Bill at all to-night. What I said was that if the Criminal Law Amendment Bill was not finished last night it must necessarily be taken as first Order to-day, and after it the Housing of the Working Classes Bill. It would be obviously impossible, therefore, to proceed with the Land Purchase (Ireland) Bill to-night.
§ COLONEL NOLANWhy not proceed with it to-morrow?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERTo-morrow will be Saturday, and I should be very reluctant to ask the House to meet to-morrow; but if the Criminal Law Amendment Bill is 1455 finished to-night, and the second reading of the Housing of the Working Classes Bill be taken, the Land Purchase (Ireland) Bill will be the first Order for Monday.
§ MR. SEXTONasked, if the Housing of the Working Classes Bill was finished at a tolerably early hour—say, by 1 o'clock—would the Government ask the House to go into Committee on the Bill, and name the two Gentlemen who are to be the Commissioners?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, in reply, said, that it would be inconvenient for the House to leave it uncertain whether they would proceed with the Land Purchase (Ireland) Bill or not that evening; but he would consult with his right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary.
§ MR. SEXTONWill the Commissioners be named?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERWe have undertaken to give the two names before we go into Committee.