HC Deb 06 July 1877 vol 235 cc823-4
MR. CHARLES LEWIS

I wish to ask, Whether the Government, having regard to the large amount of time which has been consumed this Session in discussing the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday (Ireland) Bill, are prepared to take any steps in order to prevent the loss of that time?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I really do not see what steps the Government can take. We have done what was in our power, in the way of affording one day which was at the command of the Government, and the hon. Baronet the Member for Carlisle (Sir Wilfrid Lawson), in concert with the Government, gave another day. I am sorry that those days have not led to any decisive results; but in the present state of Business, and considering the obligations of the Government, I do not see that I can at the present time make any other proposal with regard to the matter.