§ MR. BRADLAUGHMay I ask the First Lord of the Treasury if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the House has sat from 3 to half-past 3 with nothing to do, and whether 350 that course is considerate either to the officers of the House or the Members? There can be no Private Business before the House during the present portion of the Session, and we might meet a little later or commence business a little earlier.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH, Strand, Westminster)I am obliged to the hon. Member for calling my attention to the matter. I am aware that we are acting in this matter according to old usage. I will, however, consult with the officers of the House, and take an early opportunity of mentioning the result.