HC Deb 01 August 1879 vol 248 c1851

In reply to Mr. MAC IVER and Mr. BERESFORD HOPE,

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, the Government were compelled to put down Supply as the first Order for the Evening Sitting that day, and the first Motion that night was one by the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Plimsoll), in reference to the condition of Malta. The Government proposed to take Supply, if the House went into Committee at a reasonable hour. He was sorry to have to ask the House to make an exception to the pleasant rule of a Saturday half holiday" to-morrow. He proposed that the House should meet to-morrow at 12 o'clock, and it was not intended that the Sitting should be prolonged beyond 6 o'clock. The Bankruptcy Bill would not be taken to-morrow; but it was proposed to take Supply, which it was desirable at that period of the Session to advance as rapidly as possible. He would, therefore, appeal to hon. Members who had Notices on the Paper not to stand in the way. It might be possible, also, to take the second reading of the Regulation of Railways Acts (Continuance) Bill tomorrow.

MR. RYLANDS

intimated that, after the appeal of the right hon. Gentleman, he would defer the Motion which stood in his name on the Paper.

MR. FAWCETT

also consented to the postponement of his Motion.