§ SIR THOMAS BATESONsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in consideration of the fact that a large number of the Members connected with Ireland must attend Assizes, and consequently be absent from the House next week and the week following, the right hon. Gentleman will allow a fortnight to elapse between the Second Reading of and the Committee on the Irish Land Bill?
MR. GLADSTONEIt is true, Sir, my hon. Friend gave me Notice of this Question, for I received a private note 1633 from him on the subject half an hour ago. I am sorry, however, to say that I cannot accede to the wish of my hon. Friend. All Ireland is waiting with the most intense interest to observe the decision of the House on this Bill. We have done all in our power, and have put aside every other measure—even measures of great interest to many Members of this House—in order that the ground might be kept clear for this subject, and hon. Gentlemen on the front bench opposite are aware that notice was given more than three days ago of what we thought was the latest day which would enable us to deal with this subject in a satisfactory manner before Easter.