HC Deb 15 May 1884 vol 288 cc449-50
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be able to state generally to the House what is to be the order of Business next week?

MR. GLADSTONE

The Business for to-morrow is understood. On Monday we propose to take the Merchant Shipping Bill as the first Order and the Irish Sunday Closing Bill as the second Order. On Tuesday morning we propose to proceed with the Franchise Bill; and to-morrow I shall state what we propose to do on Thursday. Either Thursday or Monday will be devoted to Civil Service Estimates; but I will state the course we propose to take positively to-morrow.

MR. MAC IVER

I beg to give Notice that on the second reading of the Merchant Shipping Bill I shall move its rejection.

MR. GIBSON

The Chief Secretary has announced that he would make an important statement before Whitsuntide with respect to the Purchase Clauses of the Irish Land Act. I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give the right hon. Gentleman sufficient time to make his statement before a full House?

MR. GLADSTONE

Yes.

MR. T. A. DICKSON

I wish to ask the Prime Minister, whether the debate on the Merchant Shipping Bill will be adjourned in time to permit the Irish Sunday Closing Bill being proceeded with?

MR. GLADSTONE

The Merchant Shipping Bill will be the first Order on Monday, and I cannot undertake to break it off.