§ SIR WALTER FOSTER (Derby, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury when it is the intention of the Government to introduce the Small Holdings Bill mentioned in the Queen's Speech?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHCertainly.
§ SIR WALTER FOSTERI think the right hon. Gentleman has misunderstood my question. I asked when, and not whether, the Bill would be introduced.
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWell, I think the House has quite sufficient work on its hands just now, and I do not see any advantage in mentioning a possible date.
§ SIR J. COLOMB (Tower Hamlets, Bow, &c.)Will my right hon. Friend say what business will be taken on Monday?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am not without hope of being allowed to take the Money Vote for the Army to-night. The time now is exceedingly short before Easter, which falls much earlier this year. Therefore, we shall have to devote 1852 increasing attention to the Estimates. At any rate, the Navy Estimates must stand first for Monday.
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)And after Monday what is the intention? What Estimates will be taken on Thursday?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWe must take the necessary Votes as rapidly as possible, the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the necessity. After the Navy Vote and the necessary Vote for the Army we shall proceed with the Supplementary Estimates. Supply, not Bills, will be the business next week.
§ MR. ESSLEMONT (Aberdeen, E.)May I ask whether it is intended to adjourn for the Easter holidays on the 24th March?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am not able to say. We must discharge the necessary business before the adjournment.
§ MR. SEXTONI suppose we may conclude that the Irish Land Purchase Bill will not be taken before Easter?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI do not say that it will not be possible, but the hon. Gentleman may rest assured that it will not be taken until the Supply necessary before Easter is taken.
§ MR. SEXTONReasonable notice will be given as to when it is to be taken?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHCertainly, Sir.