THE ESTIMATES. (Hansard, 27 February 1888)

§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)
said, he wished to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, with reference to the Vote for Salaries, Allowances, and Travelling Expenses of Resident Magistrates in Ireland, Whether he could see his way to postpone the consideration of that Vote, inasmuch as there were two or three Votes before it which he was informed would give rise to considerable discussion, and then they could hardly be called upon to discuss the Irish Vote in a small portion of one night's Sitting?

§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)
I think there is every reason to believe, and hope, that the Votes preceding Vote 28, referred to by the hon. Member, will not take up much time, as they are not of a contentious character, and I trust that this particular Vote may be reached at a very early hour, leaving ample time for its discussion. The hon. Gentleman is aware that unless the Votes on the Paper are got through at this Sitting it will be impossible for me to ask the House to consider the Motion of the hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Hackney (Sir Charles Russell) on Thursday next. I am exceedingly desirous that an opportunity should be afforded to bring on the Motion; but if Supply is not finished to-night it would be necessary to continue it on Thursday.

§ MR. DILLON
Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that if the other Votes take considerable time there will be another opportunity found for discussing this Vote

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
That is the only Vote on which we expect considerable discussion.

§ MR. DILLON
Is there not prolonged discussion expected on the Chamberlain Vote?

An hon. MEMBER
That comes on after the Irish Vote.

§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL (Paddington, S.)
Can the right hon. Gentleman state to the House definitely when the Army and Navy Estimates will be laid before the House; also when the printed Paper setting forth the usual Statement will be furnished?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
We have every reason to hope that the Army Estimates will be distributed on Thursday, and I trust the Navy Estimates will be ready on Friday or Saturday. The Army Estimates will be proceeded with on Monday next. The Navy Estimates will follow on Thursday, if it is possible to do so.

§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL
As to the Supplementary Estimates to come on to-night, I should like to ask whether, as to the Vote of £18,000 for New Guinea, any money has already been expended by the Treasury under that head?

§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)
No, Sir.

§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL
Why is it put down in the Supplementary Estimates?

§ MR. JACKSON
Because it is necessary to make provision in the financial year for expenditure which is intended to come within the year.

§ MR. CHILDERS (Edinburgh, S.)
asked, was it intended to take the Army Estimates on Monday on short notice?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
My experience is that they generally have been taken on short notice. The right hon. Gentleman is aware that there has been considerable delay with regard to the Estimates. It is proposed to take the debate on going into Committee of Supply on Monday next on the Army Estimates.

§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL
asked, when the Civil Service Estimates would be laid before the House?

§ MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)
gave Notice that he should move to reduce Vote 1 by £3,900 (Mr. Chamber- 1499 lain's Mission), and a further reduction on a subsequent Vote relating to Jubilee expenses of £5,658.