§ In reply to Sir JOSEPH M'KENNA,
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERstated that it was not intended to proceed that evening with the Banking and Joint Stock Companies Bill. He might take that opportunity of saying that, looking to the position of the Army Discipline and Regulation Bill, it was absolutely necessary to proceed as continuously as possible with that measure. The House was aware that the annual Mutiny Act was this year passed as a temporary measure, lasting only till the 25th of this month. The present Army Discipline and Regulation Bill, which was intended to take the place of the old Mutiny Act, was still in Committee, and there was a large amount of work to be got through; although he hoped the progress which had been made would justify them in expecting that the last portion of the Bill would not occupy so much time as the first portion of it. He proposed to go on with that Dill to-night. Under ordinary circumstances he should have proposed to take it to-morrow; but it was announced some time ago that there would not be a Morning Sitting. The hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Mac Inver) had consented to withdraw a Motion, and he had, therefore, a claim to be considered. Great interest was also felt with regard to the Motion of the hon. Member for Mid-Lincolnshire (Mr. Chaplin) which stood for tomorrow. There would, therefore, be no Morning Sitting to-morrow; but he hoped the House would consent to a Saturday Sitting. He should be reluctant to make that demand on the time of the House unnecessarily; but he could assure them, after the best consideration they could give to the matter, the Government felt it was a request which it was their duty to make, and they were sanguine enough to hope that the House would generally agree to it, in order to get the Army Discipline and Regulation Dill through in reasonable time.
§ MR. MUNDELLAreminded the right hon. Gentleman that on Saturday the funeral of Lord Lawrence would take place, and he trusted that the hour of sitting would be fixed so that hon. Members who desired to pay a tribute 1293 of respect to the noble Lord would be able to attend at Westminster Abbey.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he could give the House any information as to the arrangements which would be made for the accommodation of hon. Members at the funeral on Saturday?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERconfessed that the Leader of the House had given good reason for a Saturday Sitting; but as the funeral of Lord Lawrence took place at 12 it would be convenient if the House did not meet until 2.
THE CHANCELLOR OE THE EXCHEQUERrequested the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Sir George Campbell) to give Notice of his Question. Many Members of Parliament would naturally wish to be present at the funeral. He hoped to attend himself, and he would consult the Speaker with regard to the time for the meeting of the House.
§ MR. DILLWYNexpressed a hope that no other Business than the Army Discipline and Regulation Dill would be taken on Saturday.
THE CHANCELLOR OR THE EXCHEQUERsaid, that it was intended to proceed with the Public Works Loans Bill. With regard to the Supreme Court of Judicature Acts Amendment Bill, he would consult with the Attorney General as to when it would be convenient to proceed with it.
§ MR. FAWCETTasked if it was intended by the Government to proceed with the East India Loan Bills?
THE CHANCELLOR OE THE EXCHEQUERsaid, it would not be possible to proceed with the East India Loan Bills that night.
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERasked, whether the Army Discipline and Regulation Bill would be taken again on Monday?