HC Deb 20 August 1887 vol 319 cc1344-6
SIR GEOEGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, what Business would be taken on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and what day he would appoint for Scotch Business?

MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

also asked whether the Mines Bill would be set down for Tuesday or Wednesday?

MR. BRYCE (Aberdeen, S.)

said, he wished to know, whether the First Lord of the Treasury could particularize the day on which he would take the Secretary for Scotland Bill; and whether he could give them an assurance that it would not be taken at a very late hour, as there were some questions of importance to be discussed?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

There has been an understanding—I will not say an arrangement—that hon. Gentlemen representing Scotland should have a day to themselves on Wednesday. The Scottish Votes in Supply will be put down as the first Business, with Scottish Bills to follow. I have been assured by hon. Gentlemen that they will be able to get through the whole of the Business in which they are interested on Wednesday. Monday and Tuesday will be appropriated for Supply. The exigencies of Supply render it absolutely necessary that we should get some Votes. I am not in a position to say when the Coal Mines Bill will be taken; but I will take care that good Notice is given.

In reply to a Question by Mr. CONYBEARE, which was inaudible.

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, the Mines Bill would not be killed by any act of the Government.

MR. MASON (Lanark, Mid)

appealed to the right hon. Gentleman to allow the Scottish Bills to be taken first on Wednesday.

MR. W. H. SMITH

No; I cannot depart from the understanding that the Votes should be taken first, and the Bills afterwards.

SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL

asked whether, if the Votes in Supply were taken first, the right hon. Gentleman would undertake that the Secretary for Scotland Bill should be taken next?

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, he had, through the Lord Advocate, been in communication with the Scotch Members, and he would endeavour to make an arrangement which would meet the views of the greater number.

In reply to Mr. E. ROBERTSON and Mr. BRYCE, who asked whether, on the resumption of Supply on Monday, the debate on the Diplomatic Vote would be proceeded with?

MR. W. H. SMITH

No, Sir; that will be impossible. We regard it as perfectly hopeless to proceed on Monday with a Motion which has already been under debate for six hours.

DR. TANNER (Cork, Co. Mid)

asked, whether the First Lord of the Treasury could state when the Appropriation Bill was likely to be introduced?

MR. W. H. SMITH

The hon. Gentleman is perfectly able to answer the Question for himself.

House adjourned at ten minutes before Six o'clock till Monday next.