HC Deb 06 August 1884 vol 292 cc73-5

Supply [22nd July], Report.

Consideration of postponed Resolution.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, his original idea had been that the debate on Egypt had better be taken tomorrow; but he hoped, at that time, that Supply would be finished to-day. Having been told that that was not the case, and that he might bring the subject forward on Friday, he should be prepared to take whichever day was most convenient. But if it were more convenient to his Friends generally that the debate should take place to-morrow, he should be doing wrong if he did not take advantage of the opportunity and raise it on that day.

MR. DODSON

said, the Prime Minister and other Members of the Government were under the impression that the debate would be taken on the Report on Friday. He hoped that hon. Members on both sides would consider that it was for the convenience of the House generally that Supply should be closed tomorrow, and that consequently the debate should be taken on the Report on Friday, as he had said.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON

Which is it to be?

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

I object to this Report being proceeded with.

MR. R. POWER

inquired whether there would be a Saturday Sitting?

MR. COURTNEY

in reply, said, that there would, in order to pass the Appropriation Bill through one of its stages.

MR. MACARTNEY

said, he understood that his right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition (Sir Stafford Northcote) had agreed to the debate being taken to-morrow. Now, the Government wished to get Supply over, and allow as many Members to go away as possible without listening to the Egyptian Debate. He himself had come a long way to be present at it.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, that, after consultation with his Friends, he proposed to take the debate to-morrow, and for this reason—Undoubtedly there was an expectation among many of his Friends who had come from distant parts of the country that the debate would take place tomorrow. Therefore, as there would be inconvenience if it should be put off to Friday, he thought it would be more convenient to take it to-morrow.

MR. DODSON

said, he must repeat that it was the impression of the Government that it had been understood in the House that the debate was to be taken on Friday. He would, therefore, say he had heard the statement of the right hon. Gentleman with considerable surprise and regret, which, he thought, would be shared by a great many Members.

MR. COURTNEY

said, that it would be impossible to put that Vote first tomorrow. The Supplementary Votes in Class I. would be taken first.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

I object to the Report being taken now.

MR. J. LOWTHER

I think it would be better to make it the first Order.

Consideration of postponed Resolution deferred till To-morrow.

House adjourned at five minutes before Six o'clock.