HC Deb 17 August 1883 vol 283 cc1021-2
SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

asked whether the Army Estimates would be taken as the first Order of the Day to-morrow?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

said, that the Estimates referred to would be taken to-morrow. At the Evening Sitting the Civil Service Estimates would be proceeded with; but the postponed Votes relating to the Offices of the Lord Lieutenant and the Chief Secretary would not be taken.

In answer to Mr. PARNELL,

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

said, that the Vote for the Queen's Colleges (Ireland) would be taken early.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, that some time ago the Prime Minister had given a distinct pledge that a fitting opportunity would be allowed for the discussion of the Army Votes.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

said, that the Army Estimates could not be taken first to-morrow, as the Civil Service Estimates must be disposed of before any other Votes were considered.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

observed, that six or seven weeks ago a distinct pledge was given that the Army Estimates would be brought on at an early hour.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

said, that during the present week it had been clearly intimated that the Army and Navy Estimates would not be taken until after the consideration of the Civil Service Estimates.

SIR WALTER B. BARTTELOT

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would put off the Army Estimates until Monday? Nothing would be gained by not treating the House fairly.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

said, that the Government had two objects in view. One was that the Estimates should be fairly discussed, and the other that the Session should come to an end as soon as possible.

MR. CALLAN

wished to know whether the right hon. Gentleman thought the convenience that would accrue to Members if the Session were brought to a close without delay of greater importance than the proper discussion of financial questions?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)

replied, that his opinion would depend on the circumstances of the case. If the House was to rise by a particular date, the Votes must be taken in a certain order.

The House suspended its Sitting at Seven of the clock.

The House resumed its Sitting at Nine of the clock.