HC Deb 11 March 1881 vol 259 c815
MR. RITCHIE

asked, Whether the President of the Board of Trade was of the same opinion now as to the bringing on of this Bill as he was last night?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

Last night I said I hoped I might be able to bring on the Bill on Tuesday. That hope is now very much diminished.

MR. RITCHIE

Are we to accept this answer as the Notice that the right hon. Gentleman promised to give us, or the reverse?

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. Gentleman has had Notice for a long while that the Bill would be brought on on Tuesday. All I can say now is that I will bring it forward on Tuesday if possible.

MR. RITCHIE

said, he really must press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer whether it was to come on or not.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

I do net wish to anticipate the statement of the Prime Minister; but I now understand from him that it will be impossible to bring it on upon Tuesday next.