HC Deb 09 March 1883 vol 276 cc1908-10
MR. J. LOWTHER

asked whether it was the intention of the Government to propose a Vote on Account?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS),

in reply, said, that that was a matter as to which the Government would give the usual Notice. A Vote on Account would follow the Supplementary Estimates and the first Army and Navy Votes.

MR. GLADSTONE

I ought to mention that as far as the Supplemental Estimates are concerned, it is a matter of absolute necessity, in order to meet the provision of the law, that they should be passed by a certain day. If we fail to despatch all the remaining Estimates to-night, I believe, judging from what we conceive to be our duty, it will be our duty to ask the House for a Sitting to-morrow for that purpose. Supposing the case of their not being finished tomorrow, I think a great inconvenience would arise. It would be most imprudent of the Government to suppose that they can take a Wednesday for that purpose, and, therefore, we cannot include Wednesday. Under these circumstances, I say there is very urgent necessity for closing the Supplementary Estimates to-night or to-morrow.

In reply to Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL, as to the probable day on which the House would meet after Easter,

MR. GLADSTONE

said: I think the noble Lord is under a mistake, and the question of the day on which the House meets after Easter has no bearing whatever on the completion of Supply. The real difficulty which the Government have to consider is the time required after the Estimates are voted for the passage of the Appropriation Bill through the House of Lords.

In reply to a further Question by Colonel MAKINS, as to the day on which the House would re-assemble,

MR. GLADSTONE

said: I will endeavour to say on an early day next week; but I cannot give any positive answer on that subject until the Supplementary Estimates are furnished.

SIR WALTERB BARTTELOT

asked, whether, in the case of the Supplementary Estimates being finished to-morrow, the Army Estimates would be taken on Monday?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes, Sir, that is the intention.

In reply to Questions from Mr. GORST and Mr. W. H. SMITH,

MR. GLADSTONE

said, that it was the intention of the Government to take the Naval Estimates on Thursday. He could not undertake to say at present what other Business would be taken before Easter.