HC Deb 06 August 1881 vol 264 cc1168-9

(19.) £19,883, to complete the sum for Temporary Commissions.

(20.) £3,927, to complete the sum for Miscellaneous Expenses.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

said, he wished to refer to an item of £10 in this Vote for the Duchy of Lancaster. He was sorry the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Bright) was not present, as he would have repeated his question which he put a few days ago with regard to the property of the Duchy in the Savoy, as to which there was some unfinished arrangement between the Duchy of Lancaster and the Woods and Forests Office. Perhaps the noble Lord could answer the question.

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

said, he did not think the point could possibly arise upon this Vote.

Vote agreed to.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

said, it appeared a little unreasonable to proceed with the Votes of the Revenue Department—the heaviest Votes in the whole Estimates—at this hour (5.30), and when the House was weary with their week's labours. It was hardly fair to expect Members to enter into a discussion on such large and important Votes now; and, therefore, he hoped the noble Lord would consent to report Progress.

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

pointed out that due notice had been given of these Votes. It must be borne in mind that after all they had only been at work with the Estimates two hours.

MR. PULESTON

reminded the Committee that many Members had met at great inconvenience for the purpose of transacting Business; and he hoped, therefore, that good progress would be made with the Estimates.

MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

admitted that there was good reason for pressing Supply forward; but it must be remembered that the very men who were now in attendance were the very men whose labours in Parliament had been the most heavy, and the very men who were most in need of the Saturday break. Important questions were involved in the Votes of the Revenue Department; for instance, there were the questions of the out-door officers of the Customs, the grievances of the telegraph clerks, and, no doubt, much discussion would be excited upon the Post Office administration.

MR. CHILDERS

suggested that they should take the Customs and Inland Revenue Votes, and report Progress when they came to the Post Office Votes.