§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEasked, Whether it was intended to proceed with the second reading of the Ballot Act Continuance and Amendment Bill; and also when it was proposed to move the Adjournment of the House for the Easter Holidays?
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, that the Ballot Bill referred to was precisely the same measure as that of last Session, when it was read the second time without a division. He hoped it might be reached that night. He proposed to move the Adjournment of the House at 2 o'clock to-morrow.
§ MR. ONSLOWsaid, there was no opposition to the Ballot Bill simply because of the New Rules. That Bill, however, was a very important one, since it gave local authorities power to extend the hours of polling. That being the case, he would appeal to the Prime Minister not to allow the Bill to be taken after half-past 12.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEsaid, that the power referred to by the hon. Gentleman was a point for discussion in Committee, and not upon the second reading.
§ In answer to Mr. DILLWYN,
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, it was proposed to take Supply (Civil Service Estimates) on the day of the re-assembling 813 of the House after the Recess, and, if possible, also on the following day. Anything else would depend on the progress made to-day and to-morrow; but the first duty of the Government would be to take the decision of the House on the second reading of Bills which were to be referred to the Standing Committees.