SIR. R. ASSHETON CROSSsaid, he wished to say a word on the question of Supply, as the Prime Minister was not present when he ventured to make a few observations on the subject at a recent Sitting. He found that out of 190 Votes there still remained 177 to be considered, and it was obviously like child's-play to attempt to discuss Votes in Supply when brought forward at the beginning of August. There was another point to which he wished to direct the attention of the Prime Minister, and it was this. On the 26th of June, the right hon. Gentleman obtained a third Vote on Account—a most unusual proceeding; but, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, he had no alternative but to ask for it at once. As this money was obtained on the 26th of June, it would be seen that the month's Supply then granted must be now nearly exhausted. It might be taken that the proposal of any further Vote on Account would receive most serious opposition. He would not detain the House longer than to say that during the time the late Government were in Office they were accused of being backward with Supply; but they were always a mouth or six weeks in advance of the present Government. He made all allowance for the difficulties Her Majesty's Government had had to encounter; but Supply, which was very backward last year, was even worse this Session; and he had expressed a hope last night that 1324 there would not be a Saturday Sitting, and that no Government Bills would be considered until Supply had been seriously undertaken and considered.
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, he did not think the House would be satisfied to sit on Saturday to take Supply. If there had been the remotest prospect of the House consenting to take it, of course it would have been the duty of the Government to propose it. The state of the House as to legislation was deplorable, and its state with regard to Supply was also deplorable; but he did not think it was worth while debating the positive and comparative degrees. Had it not been necessary to ask for a Vote of Credit on Monday, Supply would have been taken immediately after the third reading of the Arrears of Rent Bill. It would now be taken after the Vote of Credit.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONsaid, he would take that opportunity of asking a question of the Prime Minister, and that was, whether on Monday he would make his Statement as to the Vote of Credit with the Speaker in the Chair or in Committee?