§ MR. MACFARLANEsaid, he wished to put a Question to the right hon. Gentleman with reference to the Business for Wednesday next. His (Mr. Macfarlane's) Bill—the Suspension of Evictions (Scotland) Bill—occupied the first place for that day; and his hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, and the hon. Member for Ross-shire, had Bills which they had taken off the Paper for the purpose of allowing that Bill to occupy the first place on Wednesday. He saw that the candidate for the City of Glasgow had put that Bill into his election address, showing the importance attached to it in Scotland. Petitions had been sent in on the subject; and he wished to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it was his intention to allow that Bill, which consisted of six lines, and need not take one hour for second reading, whether he would allow it to come on, or whether it was his intention to put down, under the Resolution of the House, the Redistribution Bill as the first Order on that day?
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, he had only to refer to the answer he gave 10 days or a week ago to his hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. Broadhurst) with regard to a Bill in which many persons took a great interest. He really had no choice whatever. It would be a breach of the engagement with the House were he to make exceptions to that rule with regard to particular Bills. It was intended to put down the Redistribution Bill for Wednesday, and he could not make an exception in favour of the Suspension of Evictions (Scotland) Bill.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURasked the right hon. Gentleman when the Navy Estimates would be taken?
MR. GLADSTONEsaid, it depended on the progress made that night with the Supplementary Army Estimates. When the latter were concluded, it was intended to take the remaining Civil Votes. He was not without hope that the Navy Estimates might be reached on Wednesday.