§ MR. TREVELYANwished to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer a Question of which he had given the right hon. Gentleman private Notice—namely, Whether it was true, as stated in the newspapers, that before issuing the Estimate for the Promotion and Retirement scheme the Government intended to initiate a discussion in "another place" on a matter the importance of which turned on the question whether the House of Commons was or was not prepared to sanction certain expenditure; and if such was the intention of the Government, whether it was the case that the Estimate of that expenditure had not been laid before the House of Commons?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, perhaps I may be allowed to answer the Question. The same explanatory Papers which have been laid on the Table of this House were laid on the Table of the House of Lords; and on that occasion my noble Friend the Under Secretary of State for War (Earl Cadogan) promised to make a statement respecting them today. I am not aware that he has changed his intention, and the other House, having the Papers before them, have a right to discuss the subject. It is quite true that the Estimate has not yet been laid on the Table of this House, and that the House of Lords cannot discuss that point; but there are many other questions connected with this scheme which they may fairly discuss. I may state that on Monday next, if the Business of the House proceeds with ordinary prosperity, I propose to call attention to the subject.
§ In reply to Sir GEORGE CAMPBELL,
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid, it was intended that the Estimate on this subject should be proposed on Monday, when the discussion might be held.