§ In reply to Mr. GREGORY,
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINsaid, that there was no intention of proceeding with the Railway Bill on Thursday, the 5th of June; and that before it could be sent to a Grand Committee there would have to be an opportunity given for discussing it.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEThere was an understanding arrived at yesterday that the Business to be taken immediately after the Whitsuntide Recess should be Supply. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the course of the evening, suggested that it should be taken on the Thursday, and the matter was left to be spoken of to-day, in order that we might know when Supply would be taken.
MR. GLADSTONEMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no intention of forcing on the National Debt Bill on Thursday week. We are most anxious to continue the discussion on the Franchise Bill on Friday. The Franchise Bill is a measure in which a very large number of Members take an interest; and I think I may entertain some hope that if I endeavour to meet the convenience of Members with reference to that Friday, that will be remembered in a merciful way in some of the secondary discussions on the Bill. Under these circumstances, I am prepared to move that the Order of the Day for the Committee on the Franchise Bill should be read for the purpose of postponing it until Monday week, and we shall proceed with the National Debt Bill on Friday.