§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Prime Minister, Whether the lateness at which the Navy Estimates were brought on for discussion this year was to be considered as entirely owing to the exceptional character of the Session; and whether endeavours would not be made to bring them forward next year at a time when more Members of the House would be present to discuss them?
MR. GLADSTONENo doubt the hon. Member has only given utterance to a feeling which everyone must recognize to be just. The question of the 37 time for bringing on these Estimates is one which is a good deal connected with the general state of the Public Business of the House; and no arrangement can possibly be held to be complete or satisfactory which does not give time for maintaining the usual and sound practice of voting the Estimates at an earlier part of the Session.