HC Deb 12 May 1885 vol 298 cc365-6
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

asked What would be the Business of the House for the remainder of the Session up to Whitsuntide? He was aware that the Prime Minister was going to state on Friday what other measures the Government would proceed with; but it was an independent question how their time was to be occupied to-morrow, Thursday, Friday, and next week.

MR. GLADSTONE

I am afraid I am not able to go very far at present in explaining what the order of Business will be, in consequence of its being not quite certain at what time we may dispose of the Registration Bills. The Registration Bills are of very great urgency indeed, and it is undoubtedly our duty to make use of the time placed at the House's disposal mainly for the purpose of advancing them until we have cleared them. Directly I can see my way at all with respect to them I will do my best to give further information about the Business down to the time when the Whitsuntide Holidays begin. One statement I have already made—namely, that I shall take the subject of the provision on the marriage of Her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice as the first Business on Thursday, and I hope that we may be able to arrange so that the next Business, but at any rate upon that night, as soon as we are able, will be the introduction of a Bill intended to meet the case of the Scotch crofters. All that is further decided I will communicate to the House as soon as I have more light upon the subject through the progress made with the Registration Bills. I take it for granted we shall finish the Registration Bills this night, but if not they will be taken on Wednesday.

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

said, he was afraid he could not consent to forego the opportunity of moving the Motion of which he had given Notice with respect to the Inland Revenue Bill. It would be useless to postpone it, because other Members had put down Motions which they would not postpone. It would, therefore, be convenient if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would say when he proposed to proceed with the Bill?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. Childers)

said, that he proposed not to take the second reading of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill until the first Monday after the House met again after the Whitsuntide Recess.

LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL

asked the Secretary for War, whether he was now able to communicate to the House the information he was unable to communicate last night with reference to the holding of Suakin and the retention of troops there; and also, whether he proposed on Friday to give to the House any Papers relating to the Soudan policy of the Government, in the same manner as it was proposed to give to the House Papers relating to the Afghan policy?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

I have directed some further Papers on this subject to be prepared as speedily as possible; but I cannot say that they will be ready to present by Friday. I cannot state exactly when I shall be able to give any further information respecting the orders given in regard to the troops in the Soudan, but I hope to do so shortly.

MR. PULESTON

asked if the Navy Estimates could not be taken next Thursday week?

MR. GLADSTONE

said, he was afraid he could not undertake to give any pledge until he saw what progress was made with the question of Registration.