HC Deb 24 May 1883 vol 279 cc781-2
MR. HENEAGE

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he can fix an early day for the Second Beading of the Agricultural Holdings Bill, in order that there may be a convenient time between the Second Reading and the Committee stages of the Bill without unnecessarily delaying its progress?

MR. GLADSTONE

said, he thought the week after next would be a very convenient period for many Members for taking the second reading of this Bill. Monday next was already engaged for the Estimates; and he was not able to say anything about Thursday until he saw that progress would be made in Supply to-night. He referred to the Notice Paper for Tuesday, and, without any disrespect to the subjects which appeared on the Paper, he was inclined to think it very probable that that evening might be practically free; and, if it could be arranged, his right hon. Friend (Mr. Dodson) would be glad to propose the second reading of the Agricultural Holdings Bill on that day.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

At the Evening Sitting?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes, Sir.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

subsequently asked whether the Prime Minister's proposal referred to Tuesday next only, or would apply to all Tuesdays?

MR. GLADSTONE

said, he was making no declaration one way or the other; he was speaking only in reference to the state of the Notice Paper.