§ SIR MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in apportioning the time for public business after the Whitsuntide Recess, he will take into consideration the convenience of Scotch Members and not put down Scotch business as the first Order on the first day of the meeting of the House?
SIR C. CAMERON (Glasgow, College)May I, at the same time, ask whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the Second Reading of the Local Government (Scotland) Bill immediately on the reassembling of the House after Whitsuntide?
SIR W. HARCOURTYes, Sir; I understand that it will not be convenient to Members from Scotland to discuss the Scotch Local Government Bill on the first day of the meeting of the House, and I will take care that it is not put down for that day.
SIR W. HARCOURTI hope on the Monday of the following week, but that must depend upon the progress of business. I hope, however, that nothing will take place to render necessary an alteration of our arrangements. We hope that the adjournment will be from the Friday to the following Monday week, subject, of course, to any changes which I may have to make reluctantly. I purpose on the day of re-assembling to 243 take Ordinary Supply, and the Scotch Local Government Bill on the Tuesday. I hope to take the Committee on the Budget Bill on the Thursday. This arrangement will enable a great many Members to defer their return until that day.
§ SIR M. STEWARTWill there be a Morning Sitting on the Friday before Whit Sunday?
SIR W. HARCOURTYes, Sir; that is our present intention, but these arrangements must depend upon the progress of business. I hope the Debate on the Second Reading of the Budget Bill will not occupy more than two days—Monday and Tuesday—and then I shall be in a position to give hon. Members more definite information.
MR. SEXTONWhen will the Second Reading of the Evicted Tenants Bill be taken?
SIR W. HARCOURTI must ask the hon. Member to postpone that question. I am anxious to assign an early day to the Evicted Tenants Bill, but I cannot tell at this moment what the day will be.
MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)May the Debate on Uganda be expected to take place soon?
SIR W. HARCOURTThat is very problematical. It depends upon the progress of other business. The subject has already been thrown out of its place more than once.