§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONI rise, Sir, to make a suggestion to the House with reference to the course of public business, The existing rule is that the public business should not commence till half-past four o'clock, in order to allow time for the disposal of private business and of business not connected with the business of the evening; but I understand from you, Sir, and indeed what has passed this evening confirms your statement, that there is 334 very little private business before the House, and that whatever there is may be disposed of before a quarter-past four. I would therefore suggest for the consideration of the House whether it might not be advantageous to-morrow, and from that time forward, to begin the public business at a quarter past instead of half-past four, unless the private business should go beyond that hour. The saving of a quarter of an hour at so early a period of the evening would probably be of more advantage than the gaining of half-an-hour after midnight.
§ MR. DISRAELII think, Sir, there is no objection to the suggestion of the noble Lord, which on the whole will be convenient in the present state of public business; but it ought to be understood that the public business will not commence at a quarter past four unless Ministers are in their places to answer any questions that may be put.