HC Deb 11 August 1882 vol 273 cc1526-8
SIR STAFFOED NORTHCOTE

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether it is still his intention to propose that the House shall shortly adjourn till some period in the Autumn; if so, when the proposal will be made, and whether it will be accompanied or preceded by any statement as to the business to be taken in the remaining part of the Session; and, whether it is intended to pass the Appropriation Act before the Adjournment?

MR. GLADSTONE

In answer to this Question, I have to say distinctly that it is still the intention of the Government to propose that the House shall shortly adjourn till some period in the Autumn. The day of the adjournment must depend upon the progress of necessary Business, and in necessary Business I include the passing of the Appropriation Act. If we are able to close our proceedings in Committee of Supply tonight, which I think is expected and desired on all hands, in that case we ought to be able to propose the adjournment on Friday next. It is intended to ask for an adjournment till some period in the Autumn, and on Monday I hope to be able to mention the day to which we shall ask the House to adjourn. I perhaps ought to remind hon. Members that an Adjournment, like a Prorogation, is liable to be interrupted in the case of need by the action of the Crown, under the advice of Ministers, upon short notice, so that it does not signify an absolute and necessary cessation of Business. As to the form of Adjournment, I presume that, in conformity with usual practice, a Motion will be made on the last day of the Sitting of the House that the House do at its rising adjourn to such a date as may be named.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

It would be convenient to hon. Members who are about to leave town if the right hon. Gentleman could state till when he expects the House to adjourn. I should also wish to know whether the right hon. Gentleman's proposal will be accompanied by a statement of the Business to be done in the Autumn?

MR. GLADSTONE

I have, Sir, I think, answered a similar Question on a former occasion. With regard to the work to be undertaken in the Autumn Sitting, our intention has, in fact, already been announced to the House, and it has undergone no change. We shall ask the House to devote itself to the consideration of the question of Procedure, and to give that question precedence on all days on which it may be set down for consideration. I certainly have no intention of asking the House, on the part of the Government, to transact any other Business whatever. But, of course, when I make that declaration, I except any case of necessity that may arise—such a case as no person can foresee. With regard to the time until when this House may adjourn, I think it will be probably the 24th or 26th of October. It would not be earlier, but I should be glad to reserve till Monday any statement in the nature of an absolute declaration.

MR. HEALY

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman could give an assurance that no Government Bill which had already been brought in and dropped would be put down for the Autumn Sitting?

MR. GLADSTONE

As the Autumn Sitting will be part of the present Session, the Rules of the House would pre- clude the introduction of any Bill which the Government have abandoned.

MR. HEALY

Or take the subsequent stages?

MR. GLADSTONE

It is only fair to the House that it should be understood that we absolutely disclaim all intention of bringing on any Business except that relating to Procedure; but the reservation that I have made—namely, a case of public necessity arising out of great emergency—would, of course, not fall within the declaration that I have made.

MR. WARTON

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would use his influence to repress private legislation in October?

MR. GLADSTONE

We have no power to repress private legislation; but we shall have no disposition to encourage it; and if the House is pleased to concur with us in the view that the proper purpose of such a meeting as we propose will be simply to deal with Procedure, and if, moreover, the House provides that Procedure shall take precedence whenever set down upon the Paper, I think there will be ample means of preventing any legislation such as that referred to by the hon. and learned Member.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Will the Resolution giving precedence to Procedure be moved before we adjourn or in October?

MR. GLADSTONE

I will consider that question, and announce our decision on Monday.