§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)I wish to inquire of the right hon. Gentleman whether the Heligoland Bill will be taken on Thursday, and also whether he is now able to indicate the time, to which my hon. Friend behind me refers, when the Foreign Vote may be taken, and when the various questions connected with the island of Malta may be considered?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe Government propose that the Heligoland Bill shall be taken on Thursday. I am not able to say when it will be possible to put the Foreign Office Vote on the Paper, but I hope it will be in the course of next week.
§ * MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Isle of Thanet)Will the Heligoland Bill be the first Order?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHYes.
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI would remind the right hon. Gentleman that there is a strong feeling, at all events on this side of the House, that the matter requires early attention.
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI assure the right hon. Gentleman that it is the desire of the Government to consult the convenience of hon. Members as much as possible; but the right hon. Gentleman is very well aware that there is a great pressure on the Government.
§ MR. BUCHANANWill it be possible to discuss the whole question of the Anglo-German Agreement on the Heligoland Bill?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHwas understood to say that the Speaker would decide that question.
§ MR. BUCHANANThe Government will make no objection?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHNo, Sir.
§ * MR. H. KNATCHBULL- HUGESSEN (Kent, Faversham)When will the Naval Estimates be completed?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI am not able to state when they will be completed.