HC Deb 05 March 1872 vol 209 cc1394-5
MAJOR ARBUTHNOT

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he will not fix another day than Friday for the consideration of the first Vote on the Army Estimates, as Notice had been given of five Motions for that day, one of which would occupy a considerable time?

LORD ELCHO

said, one of the reasons fur making a change with reference to the Motion for going into Supply was that there should be certainty with reference to Supply so far as concerned the Army, Navy, and Miscellaneous Estimates. In addition to the five Resolutions referred to by his hon. and gallant Friend, the Resolutions of the Chairman of Committee of Ways and Moans were put down for Friday. The discussions of the last-mentioned Resolutions would probably occupy a very long time. And, besides, there were two other Motions for Friday. He hoped the right hon. Gentleman would consider whether he could not name a day when the Army Estimates would come on with certainty.

MR. GLADSTONE

said, the rule to which the noble Lord referred could not be applied in full force to the case of an adjourned debate. It was the duty of the Government to endeavour to find a convenient time for the purpose of closing the debate on the Army Estimates, and they would make the best arrangements they could.

MR. DISRAELI

said, he was going to appeal to the Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means to give the House a little more time for considering the very important Resolutions he had placed on the Table; and if he would consent to do so, then the adjourned debate would take its course.

MR. GLADSTONE

said, he would communicate with the Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means in the course of the evening.

COLONEL LOYD LINDSAY

asked, Whether an opportunity would be given to the House to discuss the Report of the Commander-in-Chief on the Autumn Manœuvres?

MR. CARDWELL

said, it was not his intention to forward any Motion on the Report, or take any steps with reference to it; but he presumed that anyone who wished to make remarks on it would have an opportunity of doing so.