§ MR. WHALLEYwished to hear from the First Minister what was his understanding of the hour at which opposed business could be taken. This morning at Three o'clock a Turnpike Bill was taken, though Members had left the House in the belief that it would not come on.
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, he could give nothing but an opinion on the matter mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, for the question of laying down a rule as to opposed business stood over for future consideration, the House not having yet been able to deal with the recommendations of the Commissioners on Public Business. In his opinion there was no absolute understanding on the subject, and the duty of the Government as to opposed business was to consult the general feeling of the House. He doubted, however, whether it was the duty of the Government to recognize as opposed business a Bill to which one particular Member might take exception, if there was a moral unanimity on the part of the House in its favour.
§ MR. WHALLEYgave notice that on going into Committee of Supply that evening he should call attention to the hour for taking opposed business, and to a personal matter which, in his opinion, 89 involved Parliamentary honour and good faith.
§ SIR GEORGE JENKINSONsaid, he was aware that the hon. Member had written a letter to a Member of Her Majesty's Government on the matter just referred to by him, and at the proper time he should be ready to explain any slight connection he had had with the incident in question.