§ MR. CHAPLINasked the Prime Minister, Whether there was any chance of the Government Bill dealing with compensation to agricultural tenants being introduced before Whitsuntide?
MR. GLADSTONESir, if the hon. Gentleman could tell me what he is much more likely to know than I am— 914 namely, how long the debate we are to enter upon to-night will last, I could give him an answer on the Question he has put to me; but, until light is thrown on that matter, I can give no further response. I would add that I propose to postpone the Annuities Bills till Thursday.
§ MR. CHAPLINasked, Whether he he was to understand that the Agricultural Tenants' Compensation Bill was not to be introduced till the House had decided upon the second reading of the Affirmation Bill?
MR. GLADSTONENo, Sir; we must proceed with the Parliamentary Oaths Act (1866) Amendment Bill as the first Business of the Government.