§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government; at what time he proposes to bring in the Arrears Bill? I also think it would be for the convenience of the House if he could give us some information as to the probable course of Business, and likewise as to the probable time of adjourning for the Whitsuntide Recess?
MR. GLADSTONESir, with reference to the adjournment for the Whitsuntide holidays, it is not unreasonable that a Question should be put at this time on such a subject; but in view of the urgency of Irish Business at this moment, on which the House is likely to be engaged, I should like, with the permission of the House, to have a few days more before making an announcement on that matter. With regard to the two subjects—one very important, and the other part of the necessary Business of the year—I wish to say, as to the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, that I believe it is not necessary, and I do not propose to take any steps with that Bill before Whitsuntide. It will suffice if we go on with it after the Recess. With respect to the important question of Procedure, although there might be 679 the power of applying small intervals of time to the discussion of that question, I do not think that would be a convenient mode of proceeding; and on that account, and on that account only, I think it would be advantageous and more convenient to the House if we at once consider it as settled that no steps shall be taken on that matter until after Whitsuntide. As to the question of Arrears, I will proceed on the assumption that it is the desire of the House generally to know, with some exactness, what Her Majesty's Government intends to propose. But it is not a subject requiring any lengthened statement; consequently, I shall propose, at half-past 11, to ask the House to desist from the Business then in progress in order to allow that statement to be made.
MR. STAVELEY HILLasked when Members might expect to have copies of the Bill for the Prevention of Crime in Ireland.
§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT, in reply, said, he was told that there were a considerable number of copies in the Vote Office, and that they would be supplied that evening. He was bound to say, on behalf of the draftsmen, that they had worked day and night to get the Bill ready.
§ MR. SCHREIBERasked the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Labou-chere) whether, under the circumstances, he would proceed to-morrow with his Motion for the abolition of the House of Lords?
§ MR. LABOUCHERE, in reply, said, that if the Motion were merely one of a theoretical character, he should not proceed with it to-morrow; but as, considering the circumstances, he thought it was an exceedingly practical Motion he proposed to go on with it.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEasked, if it was intended to take a Morning Sitting to-morrow?
MR. GLADSTONEsaid that was the intention of the Government. The Business taken at the Morning Sitting would be the Orders that were to be preceded with that evening.