COMMITTEE. (Hansard, 4 August 1883)

§ MR. J. LOWTHER
inquired of Her Majesty's Government what course they intended to pursue with respect to the remainder of the Sitting? No doubt the House had a perfect right to sit as late as it liked; but Her Majesty's Government, having created the monster in the shape of a Saturday Sitting, ought, at least, to take measures to guard against depredations which it might commit. He wished to know whether the Government considered they had abandoned the control of the proceedings of the House until an indefinite period of the evening? The House, however, having been brought together at the instance of the Government, he thought that, as there were Government Orders remaining on the Paper, the House should, if it was to sit, proceed with the consideration of the Business which brought it together.

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON
said, that, as far as he was aware of the circumstances, no pledge had been given, except as to the course the Government would take up. The Prime Minister had distinctly indicated that the further proceedings of the House would be matter for the decision of the House. That decision had just been pronounced. With regard to the remaining Government measures on the Paper, they had disposed of all the measures which were announced as to be taken to-day; and the Government would, therefore, postpone the remaining Government Business, and how far they should proceed with the Private Business on the Paper was, of course, for the House to decide. He understood that the hon. Gentlemen in charge of the Labourers' (Ireland) and the Cruelty to Animals Bills only desired that so much progress should be made with those measures as that the Speaker should leave the Chair.

§ MR CAVENDISH BENTINCK
said, that from the words uttered by the Prime Minister he understood that the Government not only intended to stop the proceedings of the House after the Bills were passed, but also to use their influence to prevent other measures being proceeded with. Under the circumstances, he was not surprised to see so scant an attendance of Members of the Government, although many of them were in town—

§ MR. SPEAKER
I must point out to the right hon. Member that the Question before the House is simply that the Committee on the Revenue and Friendly Societies Bill be taken on Monday next.

§ MR CAVENDISH BENTINCK
I am simply referring to the pledge which has been given by the Government.

§ MR. SPEAKER
I must point out to the right hon. Gentleman that the absence of Members of the Government has nothing whatever to do with the subject.

§ MR CAVENDISH BENTINCK
said, the manner in which the Government had failed to use their influence in favour of the adjournment did affect the question. He was certainly of opinion that they had been guilty of gross dereliction of duty, and he was sorry to say it was not the first time such a thing had happened. He was afraid it was done for a purpose which it would not be right to mention, but which the House would understand.

§ MR WARTON
The noble Marquess told us—

§ MR. ILLINGWORTH
I rise to Order. ["Order!"] I rise to Order, Mr. Speaker. I want to know whether observations with regard to the noble Lord's statement are relevant?

§ MR SPEAKER
The hon. and learned Member has not said anything out of Order.

§ MR WARTON
remarked that, as the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Illingworth) tried to caucus the electors, so he tried to caucus the House. The noble Marquess had said that it was only desired to go formally into Committee with the private Members' Bills now standing on the Paper; but he wished to point out that the effect of the New Rules was to prevent any opposition being offered to a measure when it had once been in Committee, so that the ingenuous remark of the noble Lord as to the intentions of the Movers of these Bills lost half its force. As he was strongly opposed to one of the Bills which was down on the Paper, he should move that the Revenue and Friendly Societies Bill be put down for Tuesday instead of Monday.
Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "Monday," and insert the word "Tuesday."—(Mr. Warton.)
Question proposed, "That the word 'Monday' stand part of the Question."

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON
said, he would appeal to the hon. and learned Member not to persist in his Motion, which would have the effect of detaining the House longer than would otherwise be the case.
Question put, and agreed to.
Main Question put, and agreed to.
Committee upon Monday next.