HC Deb 01 May 1879 vol 245 cc1502-3
SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is convenient for him to state when it is intended the House should go into Committee on Ways and Means?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I stated the other night to my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich—whom I do not see present just at this moment—who wished to have an opportunity of making some remarks of a personal character upon the Motion for going into Committee on Ways and Means, that I thought Monday next would be the most convenient day. I therefore propose to take it on Monday. I wish to take this opportunity of making a short personal explanation to the House with regard to a matter which I understand took place yesterday, and which caused me a good deal of regret. I was unable to be in my place yesterday at the time of the meeting of the House, because I was at a Cabinet Council. If I had been aware that the right hon. Baronet the Member for Tamworth (Sir Robert Peel) was going to address a Question to me, I should have, of course, communicated with him and told him I could not be here. But, unfortunately, I was not in the House. At all events, I did not hear the Notice which he gave on the evening before; and, owing to accidental circumstances, with which I need not trouble the House, I did not see it, and my attention was not called to the Question yesterday morning by any of my Colleagues. I have explained the matter to the right hon. Baronet; but I thought it was due to the House to state that it was from no want of respect to it or him that I was not here.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

asked, Whether Ways and Means would be taken as the first Order on Monday?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I think so; but it will depend upon the progress of other Business.