THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON, on behalf of the Prime Minister, said, that as there appeared to be no probability of the adjourned debate on the Report of the Address closing at an early hour, the Prime Minister would not move the Resolutions relating to the Procedure of the House that evening. But if, contrary to the expectations of the Government, the debate should be terminated to-night, it was proposed that the House should proceed to the next Government Order of the Day—the second reading of the Rivers Conservancy and Floods Prevention Bill.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLasked whether the noble Marquess could give any explanation as to how it was that the Attorney General for Ireland yesterday afternoon, when the debate on the Report appeared to be closed, deliberately rose and talked the debate out? ["Oh!"]
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, that, as far as he was informed, there was no appearance of the debate being at an end when the Attorney General for Ireland rose, as several Members had risen along with him.
§ MR. LABOUCHEREsaid, it would be convenient to the House if the noble Lord would state whether, in the event of the debate on the Report of the Address finishing to-night, it was the intention of the First Lord of the Treasury to propose the New Rules of Procedure to-morrow?
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEWhen will they be brought forward?
§ MR. MITCHELL HENRYwished to ask the noble Marquess whether, if the Resolutions as to the Procedure of the House were brought forward on Monday, it was the intention of the Government to continue the discussion upon them de die in diem?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONbelieved that it would not be in the power 795 of the Government to take that course without the consent of the House.
MR. GORSTasked whether, if the 1st Resolution was passed by the House, the Government would apply it to the discussion of the subsequent Resolutions?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONsaid, that, if the 1st Resolution were passed by the House, it would not be in the discretion of the Government to apply it.