HC Deb 15 March 1886 vol 303 cc824-5
MR. W. H. SMITH (Strand, Westminster)

asked the Secretary of State for War when he proposed to take the Army Estimates?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAM) (, &c.) Stirling

, in reply, said, that there would be great inconvenience in postponing the Army Estimates beyond Thursday, on account of the ordinary statutory requirements. He must express his great regret that there had been some delay in printing the Estimates. They had been promised for to-day; but he was told that all that could be expected was a supply of 150 copies to-morrow.

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, that to take the Army Estimates on Thursday would not be giving the House a fair opportunity of considering important questions in connection with them. Perhaps the First Lord of the Treasury would allow him to say that if the Vote were taken next Monday there would still be time to get the Bill through Parliament.

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE) (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)

admitted that the right hon. Gentleman was justified in pressing his point. It was absolutely essential that the Vote should be taken not later than Monday. There was no doubt about that; for if they went beyond Monday they could not comply with the law. That being so, and owing to the temporary indisposition of the Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Hibbert), which would prevent him making a regular statement that night, it was proposed that his hon. Friend should make his statement on Thursday. The Government hoped to get the Speaker out of the Chair that night on the Navy Estimates; but they would not take the first Vote till Thursday.

MR. W. H. SMITH

Then the Army Estimates are fixed for Monday?

MR. W. E. GLADSTONE

Yes.