HC Deb 19 February 1885 vol 294 c872
MR. W. H. SMITH

I wish to ask the Prime Minister or the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Supplementary Estimates for the Army and Navy, which, it is understood, will be asked for, will be laid upon the Table?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

I am not in a position to say precisely, as it is hardly my business to be informed upon such subjects from day to day; but I believe that the Civil Service Supplementary Estimates will be in the hands of Members to-morrow, the Navy Estimates in a few days, and the Army Estimates a few days later.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Will the Estimates include any provision for the fortification of our coaling stations abroad?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

I cannot answer that question as to the Supplementary Estimates; but they will cover all expenditure unprovided for in the original Estimates which come in course of payment up to the end of March.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I will repeat the Question to-morrow.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

It had better be addressed, not to me, but to the Representative of the War Office.

MR. CUBITT

May I ask the Secretary to the Treasury to postpone the Vote for the National Gallery?

MR. HIBBERT

The Estimates will be down on the Paper to-morrow, and if the opportunity is afforded we propose to take all the Votes we can. If the right hon. Gentleman wishes to have the Vote for the National Gallery postponed, I shall be glad to make any arrangement that may appear desirable to the House.