§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLasked, If the Prime Minister could state whether he thought it probable the House would be able to enjoy, as it had enjoyed under former Administrations, an Easter Vacation; if so, whether he could form any idea as to the date at which that Vacation might be given, and whether he thought it was likely to be of any appreciable duration?
MR. GLADSTONEThe Government is not, I am glad to say, in so serious a position with regard to its Business as not to contemplate an Easter Vacation. They even look forward to the absolute extension of that Vacation, and particularly as, during the present year, the labours of the House of Commons have been far more severe than on any previous occasion. I hope the noble Lord will not press me to-day to say more; but I hope that in the course of a few days—or, at any rate, in a very short time—I shall be able to make a definite announcement on the subject to the House.