HC Deb 27 May 1881 vol 261 cc1460-1
MR. HEALY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he proposed to persevere with his Motion for asking a Vote on Account, and, if so, on what class of Estimates he proposed placing it?

MR. GLADSTONE

said, the Government intended to take a Vote on Account for all classes of the Estimates. If they were in a position to go into Committee of Supply they could take the Vote for special classes; but as they were not they had to adopt the other course.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

desired to learn from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for what period of time it was proposed to take the Vote on Account, and whether he would propose it late on Monday evening?

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH

said, that the Vote would be taken for six weeks, and it was absolutely necessary that it should be taken before Whitsuntide. He was afraid there was not much prospect of the Vote being taken at an early hour.

MR. HEALY

Before what hour?

MR. GLADSTONE

said, they should endeavour to report Progress not later than 12 o'clock.

MR. J. COWEN

said, he hoped the Prime Minister would reconsider the proposal of the hon. Member for Longford (Mr. Justin M'Carthy), and take the discussion at 10 o'clock. He thought it would be better for the objects of the Government if he would do so. He did not expect an immediate answer to the suggestion, but hoped it would be considered.

MR. MACARTNEY

thought that, considering the enormous number of Amendments on the Land Bill, it would be unfortunate if an adjournment took place early on every evening.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

said, he would oppose any adjournment of the debate on the Land Bill unless it was to bring on one of the important English subjects which had been mentioned in the Queen's Speech.