§ MR. J. G. TALBOTsaid, they had now arrived at the 4th of August, and a large number of Orders of the Day were still remaining upon the Paper, many of them being Government Bills. It would greatly conduce to the convenience of the House if the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government would state what Government Orders it was really intended to proceed with. There was one measure especially—namely, the Prison Ministers Bill—in regard to which a great difference of opinion prevailed. There were still many Votes in Supply to be granted, and the House had also to pass many important measures, such as the Factory and Workshops Acts Amendment Bill and the Prevention of Crime Bill. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would state whether these Bills would be proceeded with?
MR. GLADSTONEIn answer, Sir, to my hon. Friend I have to state that I cannot give a general survey of the Bills which are now upon the Paper. With regard to the Prison Ministers Bill, however, I may make this remark. It is a measure which has no other aim than to give effect to what are confidently believed by us, and also, I think, by the generality of the House, to have been the decided intentions of Parliament at the time when the previous Act on the subject was passed. Under the circumstances, we cannot but hope that any discussion which may be raised on the Bill will be confined within very narrow limits indeed, and it is certainly the intention of the Government to proceed 849 with the Bill. As, however, the Bill comes from the Lords, it will not be taken until more progress has been made with the measures which have to be sent from this House to the House of Lords.