§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can now make a statement of the intentions of the Government as to the legislative business of the 969 remaining weeks of the session; and, if not, when he will be in a position to make such a statement.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think it would be premature now to answer the question of the right hon. Gentleman. If he will kindly put it down for Monday next, I hope then to be able to make a full statement.
§ MR. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman meantime take into consideration the view expressed in the House of Lords on Friday as to the desirability of withdrawing the Tithe Rent-charge (Ireland) Bill, and devoting the time to some more useful purpose?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANWhat Estimates will be taken on Friday next, and what will be the course of business till then?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI suppose we shall finish the Committee stage of the Irish Tithes Bill to-night, and I shall then propose to proceed with the Agricultural Holdings Bill of my right hon. friend. I hope to take the Navy Estimates on Friday. The First Lord of the Admiralty, however, informs me that it is very important that a Memorandum which he has prepared on the subject of water-tube boilers should be in the hands of Members before those Estimates can well be discussed, and there appears to be a slight doubt as to whether it will be possible to circulate that Memorandum in time. But, if possible, it is most desirable to take the Navy Estimates on Friday.
§ SIR CHARLES DILKEIf you do not, what Vote will be taken?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURFailing the Navy Estimates, the Home Office Vote will be taken.
§ MR. DILLONUp to what hour tomorrow morning does the right hon. Gentleman propose to keep the House sitting?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThat depends on hon. Gentlemen opposite.