BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE—SCOTCH BUSINESS. (Hansard, 4 August 1887)

§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, & c.)
asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If, now that the Lord Advocate has met the Scotch Members, he can definitely say what Scotch Business 1176 is to he proceeded with this Session; and, if proceeded with, whether it is to be dealt with by discussion in the House, or to be subject to a condition that there is to be no serious discussion at a reasonable hour; and, whether the Secretary for Scotland Bill is to be proceeded with; and, if so, if it will be taken at an hour when some serious discussion is possible, and before a blink operates?

§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)
It is intended that Wednesday shall be appropriated for Scotch Business, and the order of Business will be settled with a view to the convenience of Members from Scotland as far as possible, and in the hope of getting through some measures in which they take an interest—such as, for example, the Secretary for Scotland Bill, the Technical Education Bill. Lunacy Districts Bill, and the Sheriff of Lanarkshire Bill. The Universities Bill will also be brought under the consideration of the House if there is time.

§ MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)
asked, when it was intended to read the Universities Bill a first time?

§ THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. H. A. MACDONALD) (Edinburgh and St. Andrew's Universities)
It will be in the hands of Members to-morrow morning.

§ MR. HUNTER
asked, if the Government really intended to press the Universities Bill three days after it was published?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
The subject, I believe, has been before the House for many years; but, as I said on a previous occasion, it is not desired to press a measure of this kind if, in the opinion of Members from Scotland, it is undesirable that it should be pressed.

§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL
asked, how the knowledge of the convenience of Scotch Members was to be obtained if there was any difference of opinion?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, the Government would undertake to decide which, measure would be brought on.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, that the exigencies of Supply would render it necessary for the Government to devote all the available time next week to Supply; but he thought he might undertake to say that the Coal Mines, &c. Regula- 1177 tion Bill would be taken in Committee, and persevered with on Monday week.

§ MR. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)
asked, whether it was the intention of the Government to proceed continuously with the Bill until it was finished?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
Yes: I thought I had said so.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, he hoped it might be possible to take the Allotments Bill at 10 or 11 o'clock on Monday or Tuesday.

§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONE (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)
said, he hoped that an arrangement of a more definite character might be made in regard to a Bill which was undoubtedly of great general interest.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, he would consider the suggestion; but he was under the impression that there would be comparatively little difficulty about the second reading; that there was a general desire that the Bill should be read a second time; and that the time for discussion would be really required in Committee. He would consider the suggestion, and state on Monday what course the Government proposed to adopt.

§ SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT
remarked, that it was not proposed to oppose the second reading; but there would, no doubt, be a good deal of discussion in Committee.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOHOHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)
said, he believed there was only one clause of the Post Office Savings Banks Bill which was opposed, while there were some other clauses which, were, by consent, doomed very valuable. It was proposed to take the second reading to-night, if possible; and they might then be able to ascertain whether there was likely to be any prolonged discussion, or what prospect there was of a compromise.

§ MR. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)
said, he did not know where the right hon. Gentleman had got his information about the opposition to this Bill being confined to one clause. They opposed the whole Bill, and their 1178 opposition would be very determined from that side.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, the Post Office Savings Banks Bill was not a Money Bill, and it was not blocked.

§ SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (London University)
asked, after what hour it would not be taken? The opposition was by no means limited to one clause, and the Bill would give rise to considerable discussion.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, it would not be taken after 1 o'clock.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, the Civil Service Estimates would be taken next week.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, he would state to-morrow more definitely when the Technical Education Bill would he taken. It had been suggested to him that if it were taken on Tuesday about 11 o'clock that would suit the convenience of hon. Members. But he would communicate with those specially interested in the measure, and see what arrangement would be most suitable.

§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)
asked, when the Technical Education (Scotland) Bill would be introduced?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, it would be introduced to-morrow; and he hoped, as it was a mere corollary of the English Bill, adapted to the different circumstances of Scotland, it would not excite opposition on the part of hon. Members.

§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)
asked, whether the Tithes Bill would be proceeded with?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
I am not able to say.

§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE
Will it be dropped?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
I am not able to say.

§ MR. COBB (Warwick, S.E., Rugby)
asked, if the First Lord of the Treasury could give the House any idea as to the probable hour at which the House would adjourn on Saturday?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, he hoped to move that the Sittings of the House on Saturdays be held subject to the Wednesday Rule, so that the House should 1179 adjourn at 6 o'clock. He thought it would be for the convenience of the House that some such Rule should be in force.