BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. (Hansard, 26 August 1887)

§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)
said, he was not able to name the day on which the Report of the Coal Mines, &c. Regulation Bill would be taken. It might be for the convenience of the House, however, if he indicated the course of Business generally. He therefore wished to say that the Irish Estimates would be taken, beginning on Monday next, as it was necessary they should have money for some of the Services in Ireland; and that when the Civil Service Estimates were complete, and the Allotments Bill through Committee, the Coal Mines, &c. Regulation Bill would be taken. He hoped that the delay would not extend beyond the end of next week.

§ MR. BRADLAUGH (Northampton)
asked, whether the Indian Budget would not be taken next week?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
I think I can say it will not be taken next week.

§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)
asked, whether any Scotch Estimates would be taken to-morrow, and whether it was proposed that the Sitting to-morrow should end at 6 o'clock?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
replied, that the intention of the Government was to put down the Allotments Bill for to-morrow. No decision had been come to yet as to whether the Sitting should be held under the Wednesday Rule; but he would make an announcement regarding it before the close of this Sitting. The Scotch Estimates must take their course now with the other Civil Service Estimates, after the Irish Estimates had been taken.

Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT, Mr. CONYBEARE, and Sir GEORGE CAMPBELL
pressed for information respecting the hours of to-morrow's Sitting of the House.

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
replied, that the House would certainly meet at 12, and that if it were not to rise at 6 an intimation to that effect must appear on the Orders.

§ MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)
asked, whether the Naval Estimates would be taken this year or next year?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
The hon. Gentleman cannot be serious in the Question he has asked; and I put it whether it is consistent with the dignity of the House that such a Question should be asked?

§ MR. GOURLEY
I wish to know when the right hon. Gentleman intends to take the Naval Estimates?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
When the other Estimates are disposed of.

§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)
asked, whether the Civil Service Estimates were to be taken daily until concluded?

§ MR. W. H. SMITH
said, he was not able to state that the Civil Service Estimates would be taken every day until concluded. It was intended to proceed with the Irish Civil Service Estimates from day to day unless, if they lasted longer than four days, they were interrupted by the Superannuation Vote.