§ MR. T. A. DICKSONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in view of the debate on the Merchant Shipping Bill having occupied the whole of Monday's Sitting of the House, he will name an early day after the Whitsuntide holidays for the second reading of the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday (Ireland) Bill, and give it such a position on the Orders as shall insure its discussion?
MR. GLADSTONEWe have done what we could to secure an opportunity for discussing the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday (Ireland) Bill, and when there is an opening we shall be desirous of taking further steps in the same direction; but, in the present state of Business, the importance of making progress with the Representation of the People Bill is such that I could not possibly think of putting it aside. Nor would the hon. Member, I am sure, recommend that. Of course, there may be considerations of Supply that would not yield to the Representation of the People Bill or to anything else. But, so far as the discretion of the Government is concerned, we will give first place to the Representation of the People Bill.