MR. GLADSTONEI may also take this opportunity of referring to the course of Public Business, for the convenience of the House. The House knows how anxious we are to get forward as quickly as possible with the Prevention of Crime Bill, while, at the same time, the Government undertook that a clear day should be allowed between Committee and Report. Unfortunately, the Bill, as I anticipated, could not be circulated this morning, and, therefore, we shall be unable to take Report to-morrow, but we hope to do so on Friday. In order, however, to compensate for that loss of time, we are encouraged to press that the House shall meet on Saturday. Under the circumstances, the Arrears Bill will be proceeded with to-morrow evening.
§ MR. PARNELLasked the Prime Minister to consider the desirability of taking the Arrears Bill until the close of the Sitting on Friday, and of proceeding with the Report on the Prevention of Crime Bill on Saturday.
MR. GLADSTONEThe hon. Member will perceive that it is absolutely necessary to adhere to all declarations made to the House with regard to the conduct of Public Business, that course being essential to the carrying on of Public Business. From the first a pledge has been given that the Government will not postpone the Prevention of Crime Bill in order to make 1570 way for the Arrears Bill; we may, however, avail ourselves of any interstices of time there may be in order to proceed with that measure.
§ MR. PARNELLwished to know if the Morning Sitting on Saturday would be utilized to make some progress with the Arrears Bill in the event of the Prevention of Crime Bill being disposed of on Friday?
MR. GLADSTONEreplied that, although the Government were extremely anxious to make progress, it would be inconvenient and premature to pledge themselves in that manner.